FOR years the Port Fairy railway goods shed has been a derelict eyesore on the edge of the town’s centre and a thorn in the side of the Moyne Shire Council.
But there is still hope for the historical building, as the council turns to the public for input on a massive overhaul in the heart of the town to prepare for the next 30 years.
When the Port Fairy railway line closed in 1977 the train station was knocked down, while the former goods shed was left to deteriorate.
It was heritage-listed in 2004, just months after councillors considered demolition and voted against spending money on its restoration.
Aside from a $100,000 grant from Heritage Victoria for weather-proofing, the shed has remained in Railway Place, unused and — to a number of Port Fairy residents — unwanted.
For the past two decades there have been numerous ideas to make use of the timber and iron building, including an art space, Port Fairy Folk Festival museum, commercial brewery and nautical museum.
Now the shed’s fate could be determined by suggestions from the public, with the Moyne community asked to take part in the Port Fairy Precinct Masterplan for the Railway Place area.
A draft was revealed last week and subject to approval and funding, the former kindergarten would be knocked down and replaced with a two-storey multi-purpose commercial building, while the railway goods shed could be transformed into a multi-purpose area and performance stage.
Deputy mayor James Purcell said while some people were frustrated the shed had not yet been demolished, others still wanted it utilised.
“It’s important to do it properly and that’s why the masterplan is so important,” Cr Purcell said.
“The public has already played a role in numerous public meetings.
“It’s the closest we’ll get to a whole community plan. Everyone has the opportunity to be involved.”
Mayor Jim Doukas said the draft plan was simply a guide, but looked to resolve issues facing the CBD over the next 30 years.
“It would’ve been much easier if we’d demolished the railway goods shed nine years ago, but it has a heritage listing now,” Cr Doukas said.
“It’s disappointing because even back in 2004 it needed a lot of work to do anything with it.
“To do anything with it will cost five times as much as building something new there.
“All options are open — anything is possible, but without a lot of money it’s probably just going to sit there like these empty buildings in the CBD,” he said.
“Instead of just sitting there doing nothing, we’ve come up with a plan that incorporates the Civic Green, Railway Place, the kindergarten and the SES building.
“We need to come up with something that’s going to take us into the next 30 years.”
Cr Doukas said Port Fairy’s commercial development was his top priority in the plan, followed by issues with parking, traffic and public amenities.
“Car parking and traffic is very important, not just for shoppers but for people with caravans and campervans.
“We’ve got to make sure we don’t hide the war memorial from public view,” he said.
While a budget has not been outlined, Cr Doukas said the council would lobby for funding from state and federal governments.
“It’s too expensive for the shire to do alone. Money is a big factor but if we set a figure it’s going to limit creativity.”
The plan will be on display at the Moyne Shire Council Port Fairy office and www.moyne.vic.gov.au until February 17.
j.pech@standard.fairfax.com .au
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