The site has been largely untouched by authorities since 2023.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
The Victorian Government has palmed off the problem of the site of a former residential complex to local health authorities, according to state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy.
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The site of the former Moara Shira Lodge at 59 Warkil St, Cobram, has sat in apparent abandon since its closure in 2023.
Weeds climb up the side of brick walls, which have been vandalised with graffiti.
Mr McCurdy said he had been to the site and spoken to locals who were worried about the site’s disrepair and wanted change.
“The Victorian Labor Government palmed this problem over to NCN Health and are now leaving NCN to clean up the mess and the vandalism,” Mr McCurdy said.
“The government needs to help NCN Health to rehabilitate the site and return it to the community for a new use.”
In correspondence seen by the Courier, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said she understood concerns of the community around the vandalism of the buildings at the former lodge.
“As the site is owned by NCN Health, the Department of Health has spoken to Mark Ashcroft, the chief executive officer of NCN Health who has advised that security arrangements have been in place at the site since the time the site was decommissioned,” Ms Thomas said in the letter.
Graffiti across the site’s former residential buildings.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
A government spokesperson confirmed the Warkil St property was owned by NCN Health and said the health service was considering future uses for the site.
In her correspondence with Mr McCurdy, the minister said the security arrangements at the site included maintaining the grounds to minimise the risk of fire, security fencing and weekly site checks by NCN Health staff.
“While the site does not have a 24/7 security presence, where necessary, NCN Health engages with Victoria Police in response to vandalism and trespassing,” Ms Thomas said in her letter.
“The NCN Health board is considering the future of the Warkil St site in accordance with the Victorian Government Landholding Policy.”
But Mr McCurdy said in a further statement that something had to be done.
“The Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas’ lacklustre response has done nothing to address the concerns of the community, and the greater issue that is before us,” he said.
“It’s time for the health minister to show some leadership and actually support regional communities.”
In further response, a government spokesperson said the health service board and management owned and managed the property and had not asked the minister for assistance.
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