Trafalgar office sale moves closer
An offer has been made to purchase the old shire offices in Trafalgar, providing renewed hope for the town's second oval project.
by Emma Ballingall
An offer has been made to purchase the old shire offices in Trafalgar, providing renewed hope for the town's second oval project.
The building sale and oval updates were amongst several projects discussed at a Baw Baw Shire community briefing in Trafalgar last Tuesday.
Attracting about 50 people, Cr Kate Wilson said town-specific consultation was a new concept and "if it goes well, we will do some more".
"This is a little bit of a trial," Cr Brendan Kingwill added. "We want your input and feedback to make sure we are doing the right thing moving forward."
As the shire's third largest town, Cr Adam Sheehan said "we hope you can join with us and make Trafalgar better across the board".
Shire governance manager Dominique Foenander confirmed council had received an offer at valuation for the Trafalgar Business Centre. A due diligence period is currently underway.
Ms Foenander said council would still welcome offers from prospective buyers for the old shire offices on the Princes Hwy during this period.
If council receives no other offers and the due diligence period results in a signed contact of sale, proceeds will be quarantined for the second oval project at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.
Officers said oval two was fully designed and at a point where, should funding become available, "we are ready to go".
With drainage, access and parking all addressed, the next step would be a tender process.
Preferences for playground improvements was another talking point.
Infrastructure assets and recreation manager David Hair said budget funding had been set aside for two playground renewals in Trafalgar - Lois Crt Reserve and Trafalgar Recreation Reserve.
However, due to Lois Crt Reserve's narrow site and close proximity to McGregor Park, Mr Hair called on the community to consider reallocating funds to the recreation reserve, the only park north of the railway line.
Other infrastructure investment for 2025/26 included: drainage investigation at the BMX park; drainage pipes and pits in Ashby St, Kitchener St, Contingent St and Settlement Rd; road upgrade designs for Saleyards Rd; and, road upgrade designs for Waterloo Rd between Seven Mile Rd and Saleyards Rd.
A proposal to create a dump point for recreation vehicles in the town also was being explored.
Council is proposing the concept, along with a few days of free camping, in a move to entice visitors and boost economic activity.
Two proposed sites are Trafalgar Recreation Reserve and McGregor Park in Contingent St. Officers said the park was closer to the town centre but the downside of the site was potential impact on nearby residents.
Another project addressed was the Trafalgar Structure Plan, adopted by councillors in May.
Strategic and community planning co-ordinator Keith Black said all strategies and actions identified in the plan were subject to budget approval.
Cr Wilson said council and community working together would result in a bright future for Trafalgar. However, outlining financial constraints, she urged the community to have "a realistic view".
"There's little point dreaming up the Taj Mahal of Trafalgar if we can't afford to deliver it," she said. "Everything we do, we have to factor in the financial sustainability."
The presentations concluded with a chance for attendees to ask questions or offer feedback directly to councillors and staff.
