I cannot express how disgraceful it is to demolish the useful (Murray River) council building.
It is detrimental because it wastes existing community assets, includes higher costs (demolition, new build), causes environmental damage (waste and dust), destroys potential social hubs and removes a resource that could serve evolving community needs, all for uncertain future gains, especially when preservation/renovation is often cheaper than replacement.
It’s a loss of a building that could be utilised by the community in fostering community connection and sustainable use.
The tile roof only needs the moss and dirt removed and cleaned up and then a new coat of sealant.
It does not need replacing at a cost of $1.3 million.
I find it highly unprofessional for a local council to accept a decision from a community meeting that was held six years ago, when times have now changed.
We have new community members living in Moama.
It’s about time you stood up and gave them a voice on what they want at a new community meeting.
Yours etc.
Jo Mackenzie
Moama
Editor’s note: This letter to the editor, received last week, is in response to the article, ‘Council explores leasing opportunity’, which appeared in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times on November 28, 2025. In it, it was reported that the former Murray River Council offices at 6 Meninya St, Moama would eventually be demolished as part of a proposed multi-year Moama CBD Entry Redevelopment Project. Until that part of the project is enacted, council has resolved to gauge interest in leasing the building despite estimates it would need $1.3 million in upgrades due to “various operational and safety risks”.
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