Former Beaufort Primary School site front of mind

Published on 08 February 2023

Beaufort Ward Councillor Damian Ferrari and Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan met with Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, along with representatives of the Community Committee, to discuss the future of the former Beaufort Primary School site this week.

In November 2022, the state announced a commitment of $800,000 towards a masterplan for the site and the first stage of development.

Ms Haylett reinforced this commitment, which was announced ahead of the 2022 state election, and acknowledged that further funding would be needed once the masterplan was completed.

Local community spokesperson Philippa Hedges highlighted the need for the development of the site as a community hub for the long-term benefit of the community.

Mr Nolan welcomed the commitment towards a masterplan as a solid starting point for the initiative.

“While Council is delighted that the state has committed this investment in Beaufort, no timeline has yet been provided,” Mr Nolan said. “Council will be seeking further detail from Regional Development Victoria about how the project is proposed to be rolled out.”

The CEO of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV), Keir Paterson, also met with Mr Nolan this week, reinforcing NHV’s interest in the project and its desire to be party to future discussions that shape the masterplan.

The project will be subject to broader community engagement as the masterplan progresses.

In 2022, Council also committed to the purchase of the former school oval for future community use, which will continue to remain a prominent component of the plan.

Further information on the project will be provided as the project develops.

Photo caption: Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, Beaufort Ward Councillor Damian Ferrari and Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan at the meeting in Beaufort this week