23 February 2026
Vacant Barkly Street school site costing taxpayers $500,000 a year
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, is calling on the Minister for Education to urgently outline a clear and constructive plan for the long-vacant Barkly Street school site in Benalla, which has sat unused since 2018.
Ms Cleeland said the abandoned site had become an eyesore on the eastern side of Benalla’s CBD, with condemned buildings, ongoing deterioration, and round-the-clock security costs being borne by taxpayers.
“It is shocking that the community is paying for 24/7 security to guard an empty, deteriorating block. A single guard is estimated to cost $500,000 a year for taxpayers,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This site was handed back to the Department in an acceptable condition in 2018. Eight years later, the buildings have been allowed to decay to the point of condemnation.”
Ms Cleeland said the situation represents a failure of basic asset management and a missed opportunity for the Benalla community.
“There is very little accessible green space to the east of the CBD, and this site could be transformed into something that genuinely benefits local families,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Instead, it has been left to rot while the community watches a valuable public asset decline year after year and continue footing a huge security bill.”
Ms Cleeland wrote to the Minister for Education calling for an immediate announcement on the future of the site, including clear timelines and consultation with the Benalla community.
“Benalla deserves better than boarded-up buildings, security fences, and no plan,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Clearly, the Government has no intention of reopening the school, therefore it must work with the community to deliver a positive outcome, whether that be green space, community infrastructure, or another appropriate use.”
Ms Cleeland said continued inaction would only add more to the cost for taxpayers and the frustration for local residents.
“It is time for the Minister to step in, stop the waste, and provide Benalla with a clear path forward,” she said.