Community ‘drop in’ session on the future of the former Meander Primary School

Meander Valley Council is encouraging the community to have their say about the future use of the former Meander Primary School.

The Council is holding a community information session at the Meander Hall on Monday, 23 August, where residents can drop in anytime between 4pm and 6pm to give their feedback.

Mayor Wayne Johnston said Council was keen to hear from the community about the many possibilities for the site.

“The views of the community will help shape the expression of interest to be used to determine the long term future of the former Meander Primary School,” Mayor Johnston said.

“Council is committed to ensuring the local community is involved in the process and our goal is to find a use for the site that will enhance our community without significant ongoing cost to ratepayers.

“Asking the community about what should be reflected when we call for expressions of interest is the first step in the process and we would like to see as many locals as possible drop in, have a cuppa and a chat with Councillors and Council staff.”

The Deloraine High School is temporarily using the site to host two ten-week pilot education programs which finish up in December this year.

With the aim of being able to consider the broadest range of uses possible, Council wrote to the Tasmanian Government late last year, asking for a relaxation on the restrictions that limit how the site can be used.

Unfortunately, the Tasmanian Government has now verbally advised Council that it will not agree to a relaxation of these restrictions and the site remains limited to a community purpose use only. This means any commercial or mixed-use options for the school are unlikely to be supported.

“Later this year, Council will seek expressions of interest for the long-term use of the school and will be looking for representatives from local organisations to form a focus group to help shortlist proposals ahead of any decision made by Council,” Mayor Johnston said.

“We respect the diverse range of views towards the former primary school that exist within our community and while we may not ultimately receive a future use proposal that suits everyone, we hope that together we can explore all the possibilities the site offers us and find a solution that will benefit our community into the future.”

Community Drop In Session

Monday, 23 August
Meander Hall, 124, Main Road, Meander
Residents can drop in anytime between 4pm and 6pm to give their feedback.

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Provide Feedback Online

Can't make the drop in session?
Click here to provide your feedback online online or email it to mail@mvc.tas.gov.au

Consultation closes 31 August 2021.
For more information contact Melissa Lewarn, Manager, Community Wellbeing and Lifestyle 0427 354 058