Future of Woorndoo Hall and tennis courts

Published on 07 November 2025

Moyne Shire Council will begin a formal process to consider the future of the Woorndoo Public Hall and former Woorndoo Tennis Court sites after resolving to declare the land surplus to Council’s needs.

The decision follows a review of Council-owned land completed earlier this year to identify sites that may no longer be required for operational or community purposes.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the process is about ensuring Council responsibly manages its assets and explores opportunities that benefit the community.

“The Woorndoo Hall has been an important part of the district’s history for almost a century and we’ll be approaching this process with care and transparency,” Cr Foster said.

“This is about following due process under the Local Government Act to determine whether the land should continue in Council ownership, or if there’s a more sustainable way forward for the community,” she said.

The Woorndoo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, built in 1927, has long served as a community meeting space and local landmark, with brick additions made in 1966. However, the adjoining tennis courts - located immediately south of the hall - have been unused and in poor condition for many years.

The Council resolution directs officers to:

• Transfer the title for the former tennis court land into Council’s name under the Transfer of Land Act 1958.
• Obtain an independent valuation of the combined sites.
• Publish a Public Notice of Intention to Sell the land through an expression of interest process, inviting community submissions in line with section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020.
• Present a further report to Council before any decision is made on the potential sale.

Cr Foster said community input will be central to the process.

“No final decision has been made. This first step allows the community to have their say and for Council to consider all views before determining next steps,” she said.

“If the land is ultimately sold, it will be done transparently, at or above market value, and in a way that respects the history and significance of the site.”

Income from any potential sale would provide a one-off capital injection for local communities and reduce ongoing maintenance and holding costs for Council.

The process will follow all legislative and best practice requirements to ensure fairness, transparency and community benefit.