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Old Methodist Church in Traralgon may be demolished in 2024

Community input shapes Old Methodist Church's Fate. Council considers VicTrack lease based on 21 submissions: preserve, utilise, or demolish. Future decision in 2024 after site review and negotiations.

By news@gippsland - 19th December 2023 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council will work closely with the community to decide on the future of the Old Methodist Church in Traralgon. At its November council Meeting, council endorsed to request VicTrack enter a new lease for Lot 84 Traralgon, as a pre-condition to further considerations regarding the future of the Old Methodist Church and the site.

Community input gathered with 21 submissions received, advocating preservation, community use, or demolition. Follow-up report will be in 2024 plan

Church community feedback

Council undertook community consultation about the future of the Church between 23 August to 19 September 2023. Council received 21 submissions, with feedback from the community including the Church should be preserved based on its historical value, that it should be utilised for community use or that it should be demolished.

Council have been considering the future of the Church since the decision was made to transition the Visitor Information Service from the Church to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in 2018.

Church site negotiations

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said given the preference of most respondents was that the Church should remain at its current site, the potential to achieve this is critical for any further consideration regarding the future of the Church.

"Council will consult with VicTrack regarding the lease of the Church. Several factors will be considered before entering a potential new lease, including the impact on future use of the building, level of investment required and any impact on successful fundraising."

"Subject to the outcome of these negotiations, a review of the current Masterplan for the Traralgon Station may be required which is currently unbudgeted. Council will also consider the proposal made by the Old Methodist Church Futures Committee and how future engagement with this group will be framed," said the Mayor.

Have your say

Councillor Dan Clancey thanked the community for their submissions and their feedback about the future of the Methodist Church. "We hope that feedback from the community brings us a really positive outcome. The Methodist Church is iconic, people drive past it and recognise that part of our history," said Councillor Clancey.

A further report will be presented to council in the first quarter of 2024, regarding the outcome of the extended lease request, and the options for the next steps of the Church. For further information about the Methodist Church, visit council's Have Your Say online platform.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
  Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M election funding to unlock 600 new homes through Lucknow drainage upgrades
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lucknow drainage upgrades, enabling up to 600 new homes while addressing flooding and supporting sustainable growth.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.