Meander Valley Primary School fate to be decided by community

The Meander Valley Council has announced its plan to form a community focus group and write out to residents to help determine the future of the building in the coming months.

The new plan comes a controversial drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre abandoned its plans for the proposed site in early 2020.

Teen Challenge Tasmania abandoned its plans at the site to establish a rehab centre due to legal issues.

Mayor Wayne Johnson said they hoped this process would ensure the building's eventual use pleases the majority of residents.

"While we may not find a solution that aligns with every individual's views perfectly, we will be working hard to determine the qualities, attributes and future management scenarios that will have broader community support and are self-sustaining," he said.

"Councillors are committed to working with the community and a process that first calls for proposals is being suggested.

"From there, representatives from community organisations active in Meander will help shortlist proposals ahead of any decision by council," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The proposals should demonstrate a clear community benefit and means to fund the refurbishment, maintenance and ongoing operation of the site.

To ensure all potential proposals can be entertained by council, Meander Valley has written to the state government to ease the building's restrictions.

"With restrictions relaxed, we have a better chance of putting in place a long-term tenant whose activities are acceptable to the community," Cr Johnston said.

While the decision has been delayed, it is understood the council is hopeful of a favourable decision.

Until the facilities future is decided, the council has approved Deloraine High School to use it for a pilot education program during the year.

Deloraine High School principal David Lietzau said he is grateful for the opportunity to provide students with a diverse educational experience that will also incorporate some practical learning as the students undertake some of the basic maintenance tasks required on the old school site.

"The old school means a lot to us and to the students who will participate in the pilot program. This will help ensure it remains an active space while long term decisions are made," Cr Johnston said.

Council will ask for expressions of interest proposals from July to October and plan to form the focus group by the end of the financial year.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: