Proposal for Disposal of Old Dimboola Depot

Share Proposal for Disposal of Old Dimboola Depot on Facebook Share Proposal for Disposal of Old Dimboola Depot on X (formerly Twitter) Share Proposal for Disposal of Old Dimboola Depot on Linkedin Email Proposal for Disposal of Old Dimboola Depot link

At the Council meeting held on Wednesday 28 October 2026, Council resolved to give public notice of its intention to sell the Old Dimboola Depot located at 72 Upper Regions, Dimboola (Lot 1 TP248868, Lot 1 TP419257), under section 114(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

Following the relocation of Dimboola Depot, the previous depot site has now become surplus to Council’s needs. Retention of the property exposes Council to ongoing holding, maintenance, and risk management costs without delivering a corresponding operational benefit.

The previous depot site forms part of the old Powerhouse building, which has been deemed unsafe to occupy by Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor. The building façade has heritage value for the Dimboola community, and its retention is considered important. Subject to Council support, a caveat or other appropriate mechanism would be considered as part of the disposal process to protect the façade.

The Dimboola Depot site is no longer required for Council’s ongoing operational needs and its retention would require Council to continue carrying responsibility for maintenance, security, insurance, and future asset renewal expenditure on a site that is not necessary for service delivery. Disposal provides an opportunity to reduce these ongoing costs and liabilities, realise value from a surplus Council asset and encourage private investment and productive reuse of the site.

Importantly, Council recognises that the former powerhouse has a strong historical connection to Dimboola and that the existing façade is a visible reminder of the site’s past and its contribution to the development of the town. The proposed sale should therefore provide for the retention and appropriate incorporation of the old powerhouse façade into any future redevelopment of the site. This demonstrates that Council understands the importance the community places on retaining tangible links to Dimboola’s history, while recognising that preservation does not necessarily require Council to retain ownership of the entire property.

Retaining the whole site solely to preserve the façade would leave Council responsible for the costs and risks associated with a surplus asset and would limit opportunities for investment and redevelopment. Protecting the significant façade as part of the sale provides a more balanced outcome: preserving an important element of Dimboola’s built history while allowing the remainder of the property to be renewed and put to productive use.

The proposed disposal therefore supports Council’s broader responsibility to manage its property portfolio sustainably and ensure limited ratepayer funds are directed towards assets and services that are required for community service delivery. It also presents an opportunity to achieve an outcome that respects Dimboola’s heritage, supports future investment and reduces Council’s long-term financial exposure.

Feedback from You

Before Council progresses further with advertising this building for sale, we'd like to hear from you! Council invites you to complete the survey below to provide your feedback on this decision.

Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

For further information or if you have any queries, please contact Mick Henderson, Manager Assets and Facilities, on (03) 5391 4444 or email mhenderson@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

At the Council meeting held on Wednesday 28 October 2026, Council resolved to give public notice of its intention to sell the Old Dimboola Depot located at 72 Upper Regions, Dimboola (Lot 1 TP248868, Lot 1 TP419257), under section 114(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

Following the relocation of Dimboola Depot, the previous depot site has now become surplus to Council’s needs. Retention of the property exposes Council to ongoing holding, maintenance, and risk management costs without delivering a corresponding operational benefit.

The previous depot site forms part of the old Powerhouse building, which has been deemed unsafe to occupy by Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor. The building façade has heritage value for the Dimboola community, and its retention is considered important. Subject to Council support, a caveat or other appropriate mechanism would be considered as part of the disposal process to protect the façade.

The Dimboola Depot site is no longer required for Council’s ongoing operational needs and its retention would require Council to continue carrying responsibility for maintenance, security, insurance, and future asset renewal expenditure on a site that is not necessary for service delivery. Disposal provides an opportunity to reduce these ongoing costs and liabilities, realise value from a surplus Council asset and encourage private investment and productive reuse of the site.

Importantly, Council recognises that the former powerhouse has a strong historical connection to Dimboola and that the existing façade is a visible reminder of the site’s past and its contribution to the development of the town. The proposed sale should therefore provide for the retention and appropriate incorporation of the old powerhouse façade into any future redevelopment of the site. This demonstrates that Council understands the importance the community places on retaining tangible links to Dimboola’s history, while recognising that preservation does not necessarily require Council to retain ownership of the entire property.

Retaining the whole site solely to preserve the façade would leave Council responsible for the costs and risks associated with a surplus asset and would limit opportunities for investment and redevelopment. Protecting the significant façade as part of the sale provides a more balanced outcome: preserving an important element of Dimboola’s built history while allowing the remainder of the property to be renewed and put to productive use.

The proposed disposal therefore supports Council’s broader responsibility to manage its property portfolio sustainably and ensure limited ratepayer funds are directed towards assets and services that are required for community service delivery. It also presents an opportunity to achieve an outcome that respects Dimboola’s heritage, supports future investment and reduces Council’s long-term financial exposure.

Feedback from You

Before Council progresses further with advertising this building for sale, we'd like to hear from you! Council invites you to complete the survey below to provide your feedback on this decision.

Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

For further information or if you have any queries, please contact Mick Henderson, Manager Assets and Facilities, on (03) 5391 4444 or email mhenderson@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Page last updated: 02 Nov 2026, 09:09 AM