A small but valuable parcel of land could provide Gisborne with much-sought open space if Macedon Ranges Shire Council can acquire it.
The 4.5 acres at 120 Aitken Street was donated to the local primary school for use as a pine plantation and bird sanctuary in the 1920s. At that time, 18 local families and groups purchased land to donate for the purpose.
The site was declared surplus to the Department of Education and Training’s requirements at least five years ago. It was referred to the Department of Transport and Planning to facilitate its sale.
However, former MRSC councillor, Helen Radnedge, said the state government’s claim of ownership “doesn’t pass the pub test”.
“It was donated by the locals for the locals, and therefore, I believe the rightful owner must be locals – via the council,” she said.
Ms Radnedge has taken up unfinished business in calling on council to advocate for acquisition of the site – and she believes they shouldn’t necessarily have to pay. As a councillor, she led a push to engage the state government about the site back in 2020, which gained support.
“We’ve lost so much open space, reclaiming this site would help replace that which we have lost,” she told the Express.
“People donated the land in good faith, not as a fundraiser for the state government.”
The site is of ecological significance with the bioregions of the Victorian Volcanic Plains and the Central Victorian Uplands. It also contains Indigenous artefacts and has been recognised as a place of burial.
Helen has a background in conservation and land management, and horticulture, and is well-placed to help write a plan for the site. She has even offered to do it at no cost to the council.
While the site is considered a small amount of land, what it represents is far greater.
Michael Dhillon’s great grandparents were among the 18 families and groups to make those initial donations in the 1920s.
Mr Dhillon still lives in the area and wants to see that original intent honoured.
“The land hasn’t cost the department anything,” he told the Express.
“This land was clearly bought and donated to support the community. Any use that doesn’t directly benefit the greater Gisborne community is totally unacceptable.
“My family is not against the town moving forward and progressing, but when outcomes are so far removed from the original intention, it’s very disappointing.
“If you can’t count on the government to honour that original intent then why would anyone today make a similar donation?”
Community members said suitable uses included a community garden or open space.
During the council’s budget submission process, Ms Radnedge pushed for council to again advocate for the land to be retained or returned.
Adele Drago-Stevens, council’s director of corporate, confirmed the request would be considered as part of the budget process.
“Currently, council has no documented strategic policy or requirement for the land, nor funding allocated for its acquisition,” she said.
“The land is currently zoned Public Use Zone 2 – Education, and historical records indicate that this site would require further investigation, given its location adjoining the cemetery and possible cultural significance.”
The Express understands, before any public sale, government policy requires surplus government land to be offered to other government entities (including local council) via a First Right of Refusal process to buy the land at a price based on the market value determined by the Valuer General Victoria.
Under FROR councils can express an interest to purchase the land for community use (with a title restriction) which will result in a reduced VGV sale value.
In 2021 MRSC expressed an interest in this site, and was advised of this process, but no further correspondence has been received from council.
