ARARAT Rural City Council will review eight historical or old buildings across the municipality to determine if they are still fit for use.
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The asset review by council has left members of the Willaura community concerned they could lose two historical sites.
The Willaura Railway Station Museum and the Willaura Railway Station Shed were both approved for review at council’s April meeting.
Ararat mayor Paul Hooper said the review did not mean any of the buildings would be lost to the community.
“The intent under rate capping was that council gave the staff instruction to undertake a review process of all of council’s assets,” he said.
“We will methodically work through those reviews to see if it is appropriate to continue to hold buildings, whether it needs maintenance or whether it is surplus.
“It does not necessarily mean sale or closure.”
Council chief executive Andrew Evans said previous asset reviews had seen some buildings receive upgrades in order to keep them in use.
“The review of the Lake Bolac Scout Hall ended with the local group down there leasing the building and now using it as an op-shop,” he said.
“The review of the old Ararat Eagles clubrooms meant it is now staying where it is.”
Crs Gwenda Allgood and Glenda McLean questioned the transparency of the decision to undertake the review.
Cr Allgood said there was a sense of outrage among the Willaura community because of the decision.
“They are absolutely outraged by the lack of consultation on those two building being mentioned,” she said.
“We have to be sensible on asset management but where has this come from?”
Mr Evans said neither of the buildings were owned by council, but it did carry out maintenance.
The review also includes the Vincent Street and Alexandra Gardens toilets in Ararat, the Streatham Fire Museum and McDonald Centre Hall.