Cobar residents (backed by former residents) have spoken out in opposition to Cobar Shire Council’s resolution to demolish the Cobar Town Hall.
Councillors voted at their Ordinary Meeting last month to approve the preparation and lodgement of necessary studies and applications, including heritage, planning, and environmental assessments, to support demolition and land consolidation for the Cobar Town Hall site with the view of redeveloping it for future commercial opportunities.
At that meeting, Cr Lillian Simpson, who opposed the demolition, warned councillors there would be “some backlash from the community”.
The “backlash” has come in the form of an online petition set up last week by local resident Jaymee Manns and distributed via social media to canvas for signatures.
As of yesterday afternoon, her petition calling for the Town Hall to be saved, had 665 signatures.
“We appeal to the Cobar Shire Council to pause the demolition proceedings and consider alternatives that preserve this vital piece of our heritage,” Jaymee said in her petition.
“With proper restoration, the Town Hall can continue to serve as a vibrant community hub.
“We believe that before any irreversible decisions are executed, a full heritage-led review must be conducted.
“Demolishing this iconic structure would mean losing a piece of our history and an integral part of our town’s identity.
“The architectural beauty and historical resonance of the Cobar Town Hall embody the spirit of our community and are worthy of preservation for future generations,” she said.
Social media sentimental commenters have recalled their fond memories of the hall saying demolishing the hall is “administrative vandalism”, “a profound mistake” and it “should be listed as a heritage icon”.
Others supported Council’s decision saying “the restoration and ongoing maintenance would place an unnecessary burden on the community”.
Another commented that “not one person has come up with a viable business plan for the building only an emotional connection … the only people left to pay for this building are the rate payers … this nostalgic building will become an unused burden”.
Mayor Jarrod Marsden said the demolition is “an option being looked at by council”.
“It’s not locked in,” he said.
Options for a management plan of the Town Hall were put out to the public for comment in April 2024 and no submissions were received in the four week exhibition period.
In May last year Council voted to adopt a $3 million Master Plan for the redevelopment of the building and look for government funding.
