Demolition begins for cyclone Seroja-damaged Greenough Shire office on Edward Road

Demolition of the old Greenough Shire chamber offices, damaged during cyclone Seroja, started this week after the City of Greater Geraldton voted to approve clearing the site in April last year. Fencing was installed on Monday, while City contractors began stripping the building throughout the week in preparation for demolition. Mayor Shane Van Styn said the delay in demolition was due to a contention regarding a Western Power distribution box that potentially ran connections to other outlets. The offices were built in 1971 and continued to be used until the Shire amalgamated with the City of Greater Geraldton in 2007. The 52-year-old building, located on the corner of Edward Road next to Rovers Football Club, failed to sell over the years and has, for the most part, remained vacant since the amalgamation. The site was hit by cyclone Seroja in April 2021, and damage was caused to the roof of the carport and the main building, including interior water damage. At a council meeting last year, Mr Van Styn said he did not want to see the site used by vandals and squatters, and the building in its current form was not suited to any use other than demolition. The vacant land value was estimated at $500,000 this time last year. The land won’t be listed for sale immediately, to allow councillors to discuss its future use.