East Gippsland Shire Council understands that the Omeo Justice Precinct holds deep significance for the local community as a place of history, memory and everyday life. That significance is precisely why the Master Plan exists, and why Council wants to ensure the community has accurate information about what it proposes.

Council is aware of concerns raised through community discussions and some misunderstandings about the draft Master Plan.

The draft Master Plan does not propose the demolition of the Omeo Soldiers Memorial Hall. References within the draft document considered the potential removal of later additions to the Hall to re-establish, or "release", it as a standalone civic building. Those references are being revised to remove any room for misinterpretation as part of finalising the Master Plan.

The Master Plan does not propose the sale of any part of the Justice and Civic Precinct, including the Community Hub or Council Service Centre/Library. The precinct is Crown land and therefore cannot be sold.  

References to glamping have been removed from the document in response to community feedback.

It is important to be clear about the purpose of a Master Plan. This document establishes a flexible, long-term framework that identifies potential opportunities and guides future decision-making. It does not prescribe specific uses for individual buildings, propose the immediate relocation of any current site users, or commit Council to any specific works or development. Any future changes would require further planning, detailed site investigations, legislative approvals, and ongoing community and stakeholder engagement before proceeding.

Council has engaged with stakeholders and community groups throughout this process, from the initial concept through to the public exhibition period. Officers have also met directly with members of the Omeo community to discuss the concerns raised, and the feedback received has informed refinements to the final Master Plan.

Council values the ongoing contribution of local organisations to the care and interpretation of this important site and remains committed to working collaboratively as the Master Plan is finalised and presented for formal adoption.

All submissions received during the exhibition period will be carefully considered before the Master Plan is finalised and presented to Council for formal adoption.  

If you have questions or want to talk it through, please contact East Gippsland Shire Council on 5153 9500.