After much deliberation and community feedback and investment to waterproof the building, council is now ready to pass the building back to the Victorian Government to find a long-term owner and future for the building.
Council will advise the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action the community wants the historic building’s architectural form to be protected, and request this feedback be considered when determining the future of the site and part of the transition process.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Graeme Emonson acknowledged the historical and architectural importance of the courthouse to the Tungamah community.
“It was important to hear what Tungamah residents wanted, so we undertook community consultation,” Dr Emonson said.
“The overall sentiment is that the community wants the building to be preserved, regardless of its ownership.
“We are confident that in the right hands, this building will find a new lease of life, while preserving the heritage aspects of the building.”
Dr Emonson said council was nearing the end of a long and extensive process that started in 2016 when the former courthouse became vacant.
At that time, council resolved to step down as manager and begin the process of returning the property to the government.
Since then, council has completed waterproofing works and a site contamination assessment — both identified by DEECA as prerequisites for progressing the handover.
The final requirement was to undertake community engagement to determine whether there is an ongoing community need or level of interest in the property, which has now been completed.
Built in 1890, the building served as a Court of Petty Sessions, handling minor legal matters until it was closed in 1976, when the then Tungamah Shire Council was appointed as a Committee of Management of the property.
The building is architecturally and historically significant and is part of a small group of picturesque courthouses in northern Victoria.
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