Goodger School Hall to be saved, Tingoora Hall in limbo

The fate of one historical South Burnett hall has been decided while another is still up in the air as repair costs are discovered to be up to $800,000, with council considering demolishing the building.

Goodger Hall and Tingoora Hall.

The fate of one historical South Burnett hall has been decided while another is still up in the air and expected to cost up to $800,000 to repair.

During the final ordinary meeting of the year in December, South Burnett Council members voted unanimously to take on the trusteeship of the 107-year-old Goodger School Hall after community consultation.

Goodger State School opened in 1917 and operated for less than 50 years before closing its doors in 1962, leaving behind the main hall and outside toilets.

The South Burnett Regional Council will take over trusteeship and small community groups will become custodians of the building.

The community groups have announced plans to raise funds to restore the building, with council inviting them to speak at a meeting this month to reveal their ideas for the future of the hall.

Goodger Hall.

Councillor Jane Erkens said working with the groups to help restore the hall would be good for community bonding.

“A project such as this is something that is perfect for bringing our community together,” Ms Erkens said.

Councillor Danita Potter agreed and said it was great for the whole region.

“It’s only going to benefit the whole South Burnett,” she said.

There has also been community consultation and an online survey over the fate of the Tingoora Hall, however, there is still no word on the fate of the dilapidated building.

Tingoora Hall is expected to cost up to $800,000 to restore.

Different ideas floated during the community consultation included reforming the hall committee which would consist of volunteers from the community, however, they would need to raise about $500,000 to $800,000 required to restore the hall back to working order.

Council hasn’t committed to funding any of the repairs for the 124-year-old building.

On top of raising the funds to restore the building, the committee would also need to explore ways as to how to fund ongoing maintenance and insurance.

Another idea was to sell the hall as well as the land to fund other projects within the community.

Council is also exploring whether to demolish the building, with no plans announced as to what the land would be used for.

The Tingoora Hall was built in 1900 and was reportedly the first public building in the town, used for many events, including school dances and weddings.

Originally published as Goodger School Hall to be saved, Tingoora Hall in limbo