What is happening with the Trafalgar Business Centre?

That's the question on the community's lips, prompting Cr Brendan Kingwill to request Baw Baw Shire officers to prepare a report on the old shire offices.
Speaking to his general business motion, Cr Kingwill said the building was not being used, not generating revenue and in need of maintenance. He wants to know why it isn't being utilised by tenants or community groups whilst awaiting sale.
The former Narracan Shire offices and council chamber failed to sell when put up for auction in September last year.
The two-storey brick building on Princes Hwy now sits empty whilst being available for private sale.
Recounting approaches by many ratepayers, Cr Kingwill said he was unable to provide them with accurate information. He said he wanted to know what was required "so we can get it up and running."
"I'm just not getting the answers I need," he said. "At the end of the day, I just want some facts to deal with."
Unanimously backed by his fellow councillors, a report will now be prepared on the costs to maintain and renew the centre for council, community use or rent. The report also will include the cost to upgrade the centre to a compliant standard should any change to existing use require a building permit.
Cr Kingwill emphasised his request would not alter a council decision in July 2024 to put the centre up for sale and reserve net proceeds to fund the Trafalgar second oval project. Nor, would it prevent a sale of the property before the report is due back to council in May.
Cr Adam Sheehan said facilities sitting unused or underutilised was not an issue isolated to Trafalgar.
"I think the motion here is a good opportunity to get the ball rolling on what's going on across the rest of the shire as well," Cr Sheehan said.
The Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce also recently discussed the matter and is seeking concerned the building is not being utilised as a valuable commercial asset.
The chamber also is seeking community views on the sale of building. "As a chamber, we want to ensure we're adequately representing our local business community, and their current interests," it said on social media.