The former Dhurringile Prison showing some of the buildings occupying the site.
Shepparton’s One Nation candidate has suggested the former Dhurringile Prison mansion could be a base for an agricultural school.
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Candidate Phil Bryant raised the idea at a candidate’s forum in Shepparton on November 9, but has since clarified that it is not a One Nation policy, but simply an issue that was raised between himself and upper house One Nation MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, when brainstorming for development proposals.
Dhurringile Prison was closed in August 2024.
It has extensive offices in the mansion house, accommodation units and is surrounded by a former farm.
Mr Bryant told Country News a number of people had complained there was no public secondary college in the Tatura-Mooroopna area.
He said this could be an opportunity to develop a secondary level school with an agricultural focus or an alternative education setting.
“It’s just an idea,” Mr Bryant said.
“And we are not promising to fund new projects until we have carried out a forensic audit of the state’s finances.
“We don’t want to get caught out by promising what we can’t deliver. People are sick of that.”
Meanwhile, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she was working with the community on a plan for the historic site.
“Dhurringile is a magnificent opportunity, both for our region and for the state,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It has an operating farm, a dairy, multiple accommodation buildings and much more.
“It cannot simply sit empty.
“Labor's only answer has been to lock the gates.
“Taxpayers have already paid more than $2 million to maintain an empty site, including over $430,000 on security, while it earns nothing in return.”
She said the Liberal and National Parties will have more to say about Dhurringile's future soon.
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