Civic Administration and Depot Operations

Feasibility study identifies three options for civic accommodation in Euroa and looks at depot operation and safety improvements in Euroa and Nagambie.

Options and Feasibility Study

With large parts of the Euroa Civic Centre closed due to safety concerns and significant investment needed, Strathbogie Shire Council has commissioned a feasibility study to:

• Identify a preferred civic and works depot operating model
• Develop options for the civic centre including the option to stage works over several years
• Understand the scale of future works needed for the Euroa and Nagambie depots.

After analysing many options, the study has recommended redevelopment of the civic and administrative facilities at Binney Street Euroa and upgrades to the existing depots at Nagambie and Euroa.

A summary report was presented to the July 2024 Council meeting for noting.

Options and funding models will be discussed further with the incoming Councillors and the community after the October Council election.

Background

Council has not invested in asset maintenance or renewal of civic, administrative, and depot assets for many decades. 

Financial constraints and higher priority asset renewal projects such as roads and bridges have resulted in insufficient renewal, upgrade, and replacement funding directed to these buildings.  

The existing civic and administrative buildings are not fit for purpose and require significant renewal and upgrade investment.  

This has led to a critical need for larger scale investment to ensure continuity of service.  

The study identified that ‘do nothing’ is no longer a viable option. 

An options report has been developed to provide guidance for medium to long term plans.  

What is needed 

Council service and administration facilities to provide accommodation for Council staff engaged in delivery of services and programs.  

Depot administration and staff accommodation to support delivery of physical and outdoor maintenance and emergency services. 

Facilities for Civic and Councillor functions including Council Chamber as well as meeting spaces and work spaces for Councillors. 

Other key considerations

• Urgency of required works 
• Cost and ability to stage work 
• Potential funding sources

Fact sheet

• View fact sheet here

Council Report and attachments

• Council Report Civic Administration and Depot – July-2024
• Attachment 1 – Civic Administration and Depot Operations – Existing Conditions
• Attachment 2 – Civic Administration and Depot Operations – Design Principles
• Attachment 3 – Civic Administration and Depot Operations – Functional Brief

Options

The current civic centre is at the end of its useful and economic life and requires major investment to continue to function. Any significant work will require the floor to be raised above the 1-in-100 year flood levels.

This means the roof will also need to be raised and the whole building will need to be upgraded to meet other modern building code regulations.

Three options with estimated costs between $17.25m and $17.85m, have been identified in the study that: 

• retain the Public Hall (Cinema) 
• reinstate the original façade and foyer 
• include relocation of maternal and child health to allow for kindergarten service expansion
• include relocation of Visitor Information Centre close to the travellers rest area near Seven Creeks 
• retain a small youth space and storage 
• increase Councillor and civic spaces to support good governance  
• enhance customer service area to provide better service to the community. 

Two options also include potential co-location of library services.