MOORABOOL Council is still months away from announcing plans for the land where Bacchus Marsh’s old library once stood.
Since the library was demolished earlier this month, one community group that has looked on closely is the Bacchus Marsh University of the Third Age.
President Ross Alcock said the building would be perfect for the group, which is searching for a permanent home. The ‘U3A’ uses a range of temporary spaces, from a neighbourhood house and The Laurels community college to private homes. “We’re nomads; just a room would do,” Mr Alcock said. “I thought the old library was a good, functional building that could operate for a variety of groups.”
A council spokesman said a decision on the land’s future was “months away”. “There’s no proposal for the land on which the former
library and the council offices are located,” he said.
“The council passed a resolution on March 21 stipulating no action be undertaken … until a policy is developed. The policy will be developed in coming months.”
Mayor Pat Griffin said future use of the site would be a decision for the next council.
“We decided not to announce anything this year, as we don’t want it to become a political football.”
Former council engineer Dennis Murphy questioned why the council chose to demolish the building.
“It’s a pity to see a sound building being demolished,” he said. “It’s a substantial building; it could have had a community use.”
-Ben Cameron
