EuroaConnect, Media Release, 27 November 2023
Today many in the Euroa community are celebrating a win for all who value the heritage and the broader history of their town.
Just as importantly the Euroa community has again proven the strength of a strong community voice in dealing with a large uncaring corporation.
As part of its plan to modify the local rail infrastructure to accommodate the Inland Rail Project the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) announced without consultation, in August, that they would demolish Euroa’s oldest public building, the 150-year-old rail Goods Shed, in order to relocate a rail track.
Since then, the people of Euroa, led by local group EuroaConnect, have fought for retention of the highly valued shed. As part of this process, an application was made to Heritage Council Victoria for an Interim Protection Order. That order was made last Friday, November 24th with immediate effect.
In announcing this news to local residents gathered at the Goods Shed site recently, EuroaConnect Chair John Simpson AM explained that “while this order is in place ARTC cannot proceed with their demolition. However, this is an interim order only and it must be ratified by the Executive Office of Heritage Victoria within 60 days if we are to retain the building and put it to community use in the future.
The Euroa Goods Shed is sited within the broader Euroa Rail Precinct and Mr Simpson went on to explain “while the Shed has a unique place in the history and development of this town, our broader focus is on ensuring that ARTC and other authorities develop the overall precinct as a centrally located community asset that connects the town across the railway line and provides a modern and inviting entry point for those arriving by rail or from the Euroa Shepparton Road.”
“Our job is far from over” Mr Simpson said “we now must ensure that heritage protection is ongoing and that the ARTC and our local Council work far more collaboratively with the local community to ensure that local knowledge and expectations are at the centre of their decision making.
When supporting efforts to retain the Euroa Goods Shed recently Samantha Westbrooke, Conservation and Advocacy Executive Manager National Trust of Australia (Victoria) wrote:
“This dismissive approach to a culturally significant building and lack of consultation demonstrates disrespect towards the Euroa community and a lack of vision and creativity in seeing the value a significant building like the Goods Shed can add to the Euroa Railway Precinct Project.”
