Council to call for proposals for Meander School Site

At its Ordinary meeting in December, Meander Valley Council has agreed to the early termination of Teen Challenge Tasmania’s lease over the former Meander Primary School site at 137 Main Road Meander effective from 11 January 2021.

After significant delays and legal challenges with regards to planning approvals, Teen Challenge made the decision in August to set aside their plans to operate a residential rehabilitation centre for women and children on the former school site.

“While it is disappointing that the site has remained idle for four years; it is now time for the community of Meander to focus on the alternative possibilities for the site,” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

In the coming months, Council will be engaging with the community to determine how the site can be used.

“We want any process to identify options to bring the community together and make the most of the opportunity the former school site presents. We are seeking a future for the site that has broad community support and will be asking the Tasmanian Government to help achieve this by relaxing it’s permitted uses on the site, which are limiting,” Mayor Johnston said.

In the first half of next year, Council will call for proposals that can demonstrate a clear community benefit and a capacity to fund the refurbishment, maintenance and long term operation of the site.

To help ensure community support, Council will work to establish a Community Evaluation Committee, comprising a representative from local community organisations rather than individuals. This Committee will then be able to help with the development of a short list of proposals for broader community feedback before Council decides on a preferred option.

“We are looking for organisations who are open and inclusive to represent the views of Meander residents” Mayor Johnston said.

It is hoped this new engagement process will be respected by all and result in a proposal to secure the long term viability of the site.