By PETER DOUGLAS
LILYDALE Historical Society may yet continue to call the Old Lilydale Court House home.
Despite the society speaking out over frustrations with a new licence agreement offered by Yarra Ranges Council, talks between the two parties seem to have been positive.
Representatives met last Wednesday, 20 January, to discuss the agreement, which had included an annual fee increase from around $1300 to $3000.
The historical society said they could not afford such a fee rise and would likely walk away from the site it had called home for the past five years.
They also argue the age of the building and its dimensions make it difficult to heat and cool efficiently.
But Lilydale Historical Society President, Sue Thompson, said she was buoyed over last week’s talks.
“Great strides have been made to resolving the … continued use of the Old Lilydale Court House,” she said.
“The Society’s committee spent two hours with council officers Bob Mason and Michelle Danks.
“Issues with the licence agreement and its conditions were discussed at length and agreement reached on most items.”
Ms Thompson said the shire had agreed to investigate numerous options to reduce the utility costs.
The shire representatives are due to report back in the next few weeks.
Mr Thompson said one of the most pleasing aspects of the meeting had been the acknowledgement in the difficulties associated with heating and cooling costs.
“Everyone appreciates the unique design of this 1876 building, which has a large open space and 30-foot high cathedral ceilings, which means higher than usual energy costs,” she said.
“With the shire, we are now exploring alternative options which we will put to our members at our regular monthly meeting on Saturday, 6 February, which we hope will ensure our society can continue to call the Old Lilydale Court House home.”
Initially, Director Environment and Engineering, Mark Varmalis, said in November 2014 council had endorsed a new leasing and licensing policy to establish a more equitable framework for all users of council’s facilities.
He said findings had shown inconsistencies in leasing arrangements, including payment of utility costs.
But the talks have come as a great relief for the society, with the present licence agreement due to expire next month.
If the group was to walk away from the site, there is great belief among the committee the society would continue but it would strike a hefty blow.
Ms Thompson said this prospect had generated much community support.
“The society has been overwhelmed by the groundswell of support we have received from individuals, historians, heritage groups, the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and the local media,” she said.
“This support shows how much communities across the state value their history and the work of historical societies.”
