Oliver Lees
Calls to protect the historic Melton Station building have hit a snag, with the state government confirming the infrastructure is riddled with white ants, which have compromised its structural integrity.
As reported by Star Weekly, the state government intends to remove the Kaniva-style building on Brooklyn Road to make way for a new station which will have greater capacity to meet Melton’s rapidly growing population.
At a community meeting hosted by the state government earlier this month, it was indicated that white ants, or termites, had been found throughout the station building making any efforts to retain or relocate it especially difficult.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said he was aware of the issue.
“I am of the understanding that the building has an infestation of white ants,” he said.
“Of course this complicates the retention of the current facility.”
The current station building was relocated to Melton in 1898 and despite having a local council heritage overlay it is not protected under the Victorian Heritage Register, meaning it can be torn down.
A previous council heritage report described the building as a “rare” and “significant” structure that represents the origin of the town of Melton South.
Melton District Historical Society president Deb Slattery said it would be a shame to see the building lost, but understood there were extenuating factors complicated the issue.
“I’m all for keeping it, if we can,” she said.
“We do let things go in Melton, there are certain buildings that were supposed to be retained that haven’t.
“But who’s going to pay for the removal? Who will pay for the reinstallation? Where will it go?”
In the past Melton council has facilitated a heritage committee in consultation with the historical society, however that committee has not been renewed by council since it lapsed late last year.
Ms Slattery said this has made it difficult for her volunteers to be engaged in issues such as the station redevelopment project.
