Tuesday, 2 October 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has listened to the Hill End community and moved to ensure the iconic Hill End Primary School is retained for community use.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne announced the retention of the site today, which has been rezoned to allow continued public use through Amendment C130 to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.

The zoning change to the planning scheme means that the land remains in public ownership and can continue to be used by the Hill End Community Inc to hold community markets and education classes for the local community.  The amendment also protects heritage listed trees.

The school closed in 2007 and was declared surplus to government needs in 2008.

While the site could have been opened up for sale to a private buyer, the Labor Government acted to retain the site public use due to its importance for the local community.

Ownership of the land has been transferred to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), which has worked with the Hill End Community Incorporated to finalise its occupation of the land.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria

It’s been a long process to deliver certainty for the community and to make sure the Hill End site is retained for public use. I’m glad to have been able to assist in advocating for this outcome and I’m looking forward to seeing the former school site being enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.”

“Unlike the former Liberal Government who sold off countless school sites without regard for the best local outcome, we’ve ensured the community has had their say and that sites like Hill End are kept in public hands.”