Geraldton council to consider demolition of Seroja-damaged Greenough Shire offices

The former Greenough Shire offices could be destined for the wrecking ball, with council to consider approving the demolition of the 50-year-old site next week. Located on Edward Road, the offices were built in 1971 and continued to be used until the Shire amalgamated with the City of Greater Geraldton in 2007. The building was listed for auction at an asking price of $1.4 million in February 2016, but no bids were received. Further attempts to sell the property have been unsuccessful and the site was dealt another blow when it was hit by cyclone Seroja last April. The roof of the carport and main building both sustained damage, with the building interior also affected by water damage. A report being presented to the council at next week’s meeting has recommended councilors vote to demolish the site for $100,000, which would be significantly less than the cost of repairs and refurbishments. The vacant land value has been estimated at $500,000. The report recognised there may be “some community concern” over the demolition of the site and the loss of a piece of local government history. “Officers are conscious of this and in response, the current Civic Centre now has photos of former Greenough Shire presidents in the hall outside of chambers and the associated meeting room has been renamed the Greenough room,” the report said. “Greenough vehicle number plates are also available. Further suggestions to recognise this historical connection would be considered.”