The Department of Education currently manages the former site of Wonthaggi Secondary College, located on the corner of McBride Ave and Watt St, Wonthaggi.

Bass Coast Shire Council has commenced detailed pre-feasibility studies, which include exhaustive examinations of the property’s condition, including building and structural integrity, heritage and safety. This will identify short-, medium- and long-term costs plus risks associated with taking on the site, to ensure a full understanding of the costs involved in managing the site.

In the 2025-26 Budget, we’ve allocated $350,000 to begin what will be a multi-year project. This funding will allow us to unpack some of the complex the planning constraints, establish the necessary frameworks to guide negotiations with potential partners and stakeholders, determine land use options, and further discussions with the State Government before Council can consider the site.

We are also actively investigating opportunities for external grant funding, which would strengthen this work and enable consultation with the community.

Council has a responsibility to undertake due diligence and ensure any future use of the site is viable and does not create an ongoing burden for ratepayers.