YARRAM is one step closer to having a new ambulance station, after Wellington Shire Council approved the sale of land to the state government.
Councillors voted unanimously to sell the land, on 110-112 Grant Street, at an ordinary council meeting last Tuesday (May 16).
As revealed by Cr Garry Stephens, council’s proposal is to sell western portion of the property – which borders Lawler St – to the Victorian Health Building Authority (VBHA), which oversees the planning and delivery of public health infrastructure.
Cr Stephens said the block was purchased many years ago by the former Shire of Alberton.
“There was … anecdotal evidence that the block was originally purchased for the purpose of (Alberton Shire) council trying to attract another supermarket to town,” Cr Stephens said.
“It’s been used informally as a car park; and also, at the western end that we’re selling, was basically only used as … a gravel depository for a number of years.”
Cr Stephens signalled his interest in developing the eastern end of the property as a car park, with bays for caravans and long vehicles, which would be of “great benefit” for the commercial area of Yarram.
“This is going to be an exciting project, and I congratulate Ambulance Victoria for wanting to proceed with this project,” he concluded.
The VBHA, on behalf of Ambulance Victoria, first approached Wellington Shire in 2021 to seek assistance with identifying a suitable site to construct a new Ambulance Station within Yarram.
The proposed site is said to be “ideally located” to provide the best emergency response.
Council has been advised that designs are finalised and the VHBA are ready to commence a tender process for the construction of the new Ambulance Station.
The present Yarram Ambulance Station is located on Commercial Rd; land adjacent to that building has been earmarked as the future site of the CFA Yarram Fire Brigade.
AT the same meeting on Tuesday, council approved the sale of land along Ninety Mile Beach, which it considers “surplus to council requirements”.
Vacant land on 32 Paradise Beach Rd, Paradise Beach has been sold to the owner of the adjoining three blocks which – according to Cr Stephens – will become part of a larger, restructured lot.
Vacant land on 12 Firefly Rd and 9-11 Shoreward Rd, Golden Beach has also been sold to the owner of a neighbouring lot.
Additionally, council announced that it had authorised new leases for the Woodside Beach Caravan Park as well as the Loch Sport Caravan Park.
Deersford Pty Ltd has been awarded the lease, management and development of the Woodside Beach Caravan Park, while Ray and Belinda Johnson have been granted the lease, management and development of Loch Sport Caravan Park.
Speaking after the motion, Cr Marcus McKenzie noted it was the first time in two decades that new leases had been signed for both parks.
Both parties have been guaranteed their respective leases for 21 years, commencing July 1.
The next ordinary council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 from 5pm.
