Short Term Lease
During its November meeting, Murray River Council resolved to seek expressions of interest for leasing the old Moama council offices.
The building at 6 Meninya St has remained vacant as it is outdated and no longer meets modern accessibility standards.
Although the site is slated for demolition as part of the Moama CBD Entry Redevelopment Project, the council is exploring the possibility of leasing the premises in the interim.
Councillor Kylie Berryman, who put forward the motion, said the building had potential to benefit the wider community.
“This motion will provide an opportunity to support local enterprise, tourism, creative industries or essential community services,” she said.
“We keep talking that the Meninya St project (is) going to be a 10-year project. Why, in the meantime, can't we rent out the offices and generate some income for our community?”
In its current state, the building is unable to be leased as it presents various operational and safety risks including trip hazards, poor lighting, inadequate accessibility and ongoing vandalism and security issues.
In order for the building to meet regulatory standards, the cost of works is estimated at about $1.3 million.
During the meeting, Cr Geoff Wise raised concerns around whether the building was worth repairing.
“We cannot rent that building out unless we spend big money on it — big, big money — and it’s been put to us that it was $1.3 million,” he said.
“Council’s in a bit of a tough spot with our regulations, we have to supply a lot better quality buildings for anybody to rent... I just don’t think it’s worth it.
“I agree with Cr (Neil) Gorey that it'll create more cost and problems for council than what it will ever gain.”
Despite concerns about the cost, council approved the motion and will receive a further report on what is required for an EOI process before the February 2026 council meeting.