November 15, 2023
A community consultation about Boondooma’s Community Centre has averted its possible demolition after locals turned up in force to discuss its future.
The century-old building – which began its life in 1923 as the Durong Provisional School – was renamed Boondooma State School in 1973.
But falling student numbers a few decades later led to the school’s closure in 1999 when it was transferred to Wondai Shire Council who converted it into a community centre.
In May this year, South Burnett Regional Council was told the centre’s front and rear steps needed a $45,000 replacement to ensure public safety.
Staff also warned it was likely that further repairs to other parts of the complex could increase the final maintenance bill to a six-figure sum.
Council officers also told the meeting that as far as they were aware, no one had used the hall in the past two years.
In light of this, Councillors voted to hold a public consultation meeting to get the community’s views on how best to proceed.
That meeting was held at the hall on August 28 and was attended by all Councillors, council staff and 28 community members – more than a third of Boondooma’s population.
At that meeting, Councillors learned the Community Centre was run by an unincorporated committee and was regularly used by local groups.
With the passage of time, though, it appeared that communication between committee volunteers and Council had lapsed which explained why Council staff were unaware of these things.
Councillors were also told the Centre’s committee was keen to work with Council, and the nearby Durong Hall Committee, to seek funding for upgrades that could potentially reduce Council’s maintenance costs.
At this month’s Liveability standing committee, Councillors voted unanimously to enter into a Deed of Licence to Occupy over the Boondooma Community Centre with the Durong Community Hall Committee.
The Council will also repair the Centre’s front and rear stairs to remove immediate safety concerns.
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