Wednesday, 15 November 2017

The Hill End community will be able to continue using the former Hill End Primary School site, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has agreed to manage the crown land site.

This follows extensive consultations with the Victorian School Building Authority and a strategic assessment of the site by DELWP.

Hill End Primary School was closed in 2007 because of declining student numbers and the site was declared surplus to education needs the following year.

Hill End Community Inc had been using the site for a range of community activities including events, markets, arts and craft shows and a library in the former school building.

The transfer of management of the site will enable DELWP to enter into an arrangement for the Hill End Community Inc to continue using the site.

Mr Wynne has received a report from the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee on proposed planning provision changes for the site.

The Minister will consider the new management arrangement before making a decision on the most appropriate zone for the former school site.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“There has been a lot of hard work with the Hill End community to preserve this site for community use, and this is a great outcome for the area.”

“This is such a wonderful result for the Hill End community and I congratulate everyone who campaigned for the continued local use of this former school site.”