The community can now provide feedback on the proposed sale of land at 1010 Princes Highway, Nicholson.

The land, around Nicholson Primary School, is owned by East Gippsland Shire Council. In December 2024, Councillors decided to pursue selling part of the land to the Victorian Government for educational purposes including the early learning and childcare centre announced for the Nicholson and surrounding communities.

Mayor Cr John White said as part of its decision, Council also determined that the community would be able to provide its feedback on the proposed land sale.

“Community consultation is open from Monday 13 January to Thursday 6 February. We will accept all feedback, however, can only act on feedback related to the sale of land,” John said.

“Building the centre next to the primary school supports children to get the most out of their early learning, helps support their transition to school and makes life easier for some families and carers to get affordable childcare close to home.

“The early learning and childcare centre will provide families with young children in Nicholson and the wider district access to locally based long daycare for the first time.”

Feedback can be provided:

• Through our Your Say engagement portal
• In writing to 273 MainStreet, Bairnsdale 3875
• By email to feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

We will also make hard copy information available for the Nicholson community at the school and hall. More information is also available from our Your Say website and service centres.

The Nicholson Hall, a Council-owned facility adjacent to the school, is part of the land. It is proposed to transfer the operation and management of the hall to the Department of Education as it is the main user of the hall.

There is no active committee in place for the management of the hall, and the school currently manages use and bookings. For the foreseeable future any community use of the hall will continue to be managed through the school.

If the sale proceeds, the Department of Education intends to keep the hall as is and continue providing access to existing community users and the school.

The intended sale is in accordance with Section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act). The parcels of land are proposed to be sold to the Minister for Education for and on behalf of the State of Victoria at market value, in accordance with the Sale of Council Land Policy. The land totals approximately 27,000 square metres.

Questions about the proposed use of the site for education purposes should be directed to 1800 896 950, or via email vsba@education.vic.gov.au.