Old Beaufort Primary School Master Plan launch
Published on 12 May 2025
The Old Beaufort Primary School Master Plan and Early Action Works have been launched.
Ripon MLA Martha Haylett, Pyrenees Shire Council representatives and community members were present at the Hill Street site on Monday for the official launch.
The former Beaufort Primary School was the 60th school created in Victoria when it opened in 1864 but has been vacant and often vandalised since 2014.
The Victorian Government announced $800,000 in November 2022 for the master plan and early works creation, with Pyrenees Shire Council appointed to oversee the contract. Architectural consultants Public Realm Lab were then chosen to carry out the project.
Ms Haylett said the next six months would be about making sure the community has its say on what it wants to see on the site.
“It’s important we get the masterplan right and that everyone has their say on the future of this important community asset,” Ms Haylett said.
Pyrenees Shire Mayor Cr Tanya Kehoe said it was hoped to create a space the whole community could own.
“We know how important this space is to our community,” Cr Kehoe said. “This (master plan creation) process is very involved, but the outcomes will be beneficial. We want to come out in the best possible position to use this space.”
Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said the interests of Beaufort and Pyrenees communities needed to be represented in the process.
“We’re keen to ensure as many people as possible in the community are aware of the project and can participate in it over the next six months,” Mr Nolan said.
“It’s been a long path in getting to this point but there is a lot of community interest in this.”
Beaufort Ward Cr Damian Ferrari said patience and perseverance was really paying off.
“This is a great project that is gathering momentum now…we all need to get behind this project,” Cr Ferrari said.
A survey on current Beaufort community facility use will close at the end of this week. To have your say on the current survey, go to engage.pyrenees.vic.gov.au
Drop-in sessions, a second survey on possible site uses, mail drops and market pop-ups are also planned.