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Council submits proposal for Won Wron Rural Learning CampusWellington Shire Council has submitted a proposal to convert Won Wron Prison into a Rural Learning Campus offering substantial benefits to the Yarram, Port Albert, Loch Sport and Wellington communities. By Wellington Shire Council - 3rd May 2004 - Back to News State Government representatives have made it clear that the prison near Yarram WILL close before the end of the year, despite active council-led campaigning over the last three years to keep the facility open.
This is very disappointing news and the council is anxious to take action now to find a viable alternative use for the site – not least because of the job losses threatened, the detrimental impact on the local economy and other community impacts of the loss of families from the area.
An expression of interest has been lodged with the Department of Education & Training, suggesting the site be converted into a Rural Learning Campus along the style of the Alpine School at Dinner Plain. This has received documented support, including from the Alberton Project, Yarram & District Traders and Tourism, Central and East Gippsland Institutes of TAFE and Eastern Victorian Group Training.
The site is ideally located to offer young students unique experiential and learning opportunities utilising the nearby Tarra Bulga National Park, Wilson’s Promontory and the 90 Mile Beach for example, as well as invaluable hands-on experience with farming and other industries in the area.
Other potential benefits include:
· job opportunities on the campus itself and the spin-off financial benefits to the Yarram district economy;
· the potential to use the site’s existing buildings for the new initiative, along with current inmates to help with any conversion works.
Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "Given that Won Wron Prison will be closing, it’s vital that we put the wheels in motion now to help the local community and economy, rather than sit on our hands and pretend that we can prevent the inevitable closure happening.
"The proposal we have submitted is a very practical way forward, offering the potential of substantial benefits for the Yarram District community, and we appreciate the support this is already attracting from local organisations and businesses, as well as from Peter Ryan, Member for Gippsland South.
"There are also the benefits this offers to the Government of a ready-to-use facility at minimum conversion cost."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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