Scottsdale Railway Station woes
Mr Peter Beattie, Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw and Guy Jetson at the site of the vandalised Rail Station that needs to be vandal-proofed ready for development.
January 24, 2024
Vandals have created more mess and damage to the historic Scottsdale Railway Station Building, frustrating Rotary Club of Scottsdale volunteers who are working towards developing the vacant building.
A site clean-up was completed last July, but a walk through the building this week reveals more significant damage to plaster walls, cabling removed, doors kicked in and endless graffiti.
While Rotary plans to significantly enhance the site in preparation for future use, President Guy Jetson said any offers of assistance from the community, including those with trade skills, would be gratefully received.
“Rotary’s current intention is to at least get the building secure in terms of replacing windows, doors and repairs to the external walls,” Mr Jetson said.
“Ideally, we would also secure services to the site including power, water and sewerage to enable use of the grounds for overnight camping facilities and other community events such as the North-East Trail Run and Ride event usually held in September.”
Funding of $100,000 received via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program for the project will run out on June 30 if it’s not used in time.
But it’s not as simple as rolling up sleeves, donning tools and getting to work, Monday’s Council meeting heard, following questions from Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw and former councillor Edwina Powell.
“At the moment we are talking to Rotary about whether they can meet the deadline and their intent is to secure that site and get it to lock up to prevent vandalism,” Mr Marik said.
“If they are unable to meet the deadline there is a ‘Plan B’ which is to keep funding in the rail precinct and seal the dirt road sections on Coplestone, Ellenor and King Streets.
“The catch is that the road work on a rail corridor needs permission from the Minister and we are starting that process but waiting on Rotary so there are two processes simultaneously.”
Mr Marik also said the Council was looking at the entire precinct as part of a sporting study through Northern Tasmanian Development Corporation, with additional parking for the Aquatic Centre and development of a bike jumps park possible.
“But nothing is finalised and we will go to the community with concepts,” he said.
Mrs Powell, from Springfield, questioned why the site hadn’t been considered for development ahead of the stalled Rail Trail project.
She said an RV Park in the area would address vandalism issues, saying council had a responsibility to manage the building better.
“It is unfair to leave it to Rotary as generous as their offer has been,” she said.
Mr Jetson said a high-level concept plan had been completed for the building and Rotary had been communicating with the Tasmanian Heritage Council and State Growth.
Anyone with building skills willing to assist with the project can contact Rotary.