Community fights to save Euroa’s oldest public building

By Georgia Tacey

Nov 29, 2023

Save the building: Community members have been advocating for Euroa Goods Shed not to be demolished. Photo by Contributed

Plans to demolish Euroa’s oldest public building have been stalled.

The 150-year-old rail goods shed was set to be demolished as part of the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Inland Rail Project plan to modify the local rail infrastructure.

The plan includes demolishing the building to relocate a rail track — a proposal criticised by the community.

Community members led by local group EuroaConnect have fought to retain the shed, including submitting an application to Heritage Council Victoria for an interim protection order, which was granted on Friday, November 24 with immediate effect.

Euroa goods shed: The interim protection order has stalled demolition plans at the site. Photo by Contributed

“While this order is in place, ARTC cannot proceed with 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,” EuroaConnect chair John Simpson said.

“Our job is far from over. 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 exceptions are at the centre of their decision-making.”