By Jolene Ogle
THE future of the historical Cooroy Memorial Hall remains uncertain despite Noosa council being expected to take on the trusteeship of the building.
In a report presented to the general committee meeting on Monday 17 October, council staff recommended accepting the trusteeship of the Deed of Grant in Trust, which includes the hall and the Cooroy RSL building.
The report also recommends the CEO undertakes consultation with the community and Department of Mines and Natural Resources about possible future uses and management of the hall.
The consultation would identify a clear use for the building, the financial risks and implications of each option, and the local community’s ability to contribute to the hall’s repair, maintenance and management.
The report also suggests the possibility of replacing the hall with a memorial or recreational park.
Report author and director of community services Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said the purpose of the hall had changed dramatically since it was first built as a memorial to fallen soldiers in 1926 for a cost of £2000.
The hall was originally used for showing movies up until the 1960s as well as dances and balls, wedding receptions and church services, school concerts, arts and crafts and public meetings.
Mr Rogers said the need for a community hall has declined with the introduction of cinemas, large halls at schools and other spaces available for use throughout the region.
Mayor Tony Wellington said the acceptance of the trustee didn’t commit the council to funding or maintenance of the hall but did commit the council to consulting with the community.
“In that regard, I would just like to point out we are doing both the Cooroy RSL and the community a favour by taking on the responsibility of an issue that was not in our making,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said the consultation will put the future of the hall “squarely in the hands of the Cooroy community”.
“I like the way it is an open-ended question – what is the best use of that land and the hall?
“It gives the community the chance to think more broadly rather than just the use of the hall, but the land itself,” he said.
Councillors are expected to ratify the decision to accept staff recommendations at their ordinary meeting on 20 October.
