Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, takes the $1 payment from Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Katrina Humphries and Moree Historical Society President Stephen Ritchie at the former Crown Lands building.
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
FOR almost 130 years, the iconic Crown Lands building has been a feature of Moree’s Frome Street and now it will be given a new lease on life, according to Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall today announced that the NSW Government owned property had been saved from auction and possible redevelopment and would instead be handed to Moree Plains Shire Council, on behalf of the community, for the princely sum of $1.
“This is a wonderful result for Moree, ensuring this historical treasure remains in the community’s hands,” Mr Marshall said.
“Originally constructed in 1892, this building is unique in Moree and one of the few remaining examples of buildings of this type and era in our region.”
Mr Marshall said the building had been vacant for almost two years, since the local Crown Lands staff moved into the State Government office building, about 200 metres away.
“Usually, when properties like this are vacated and no government agencies have any use for them, they are put up for auction,” Mr Marshall said.
“Moree Plains Shire Council, Moree Historical Society and the community and I were all determined to see the building kept in public hands and give it a new life as a permanent home for the historical society and potentially a local history museum.”
Mr Marshall approached the Treasurer and Finance Minister on behalf of the Moree community to have the property transferred to council under the government’s community use policy.
“I was delighted that the Treasurer and Finance Minister agreed to my request and the $1 price tag for council to take ownership of the historic property,” he said.
“Council will shortly take ownership of the Lands building and is required to ensure is is only used for community or recreational purposes.”