EDITORIAL

“EVERYTHING comes to an end.”

These were the words spoken by Euroa’s Ted More, our most prolific letter writer, on Thursday.

He could have been describing the 1873 Euroa Goods Shed, demolished on Tuesday morning last week by Inland Rail.

It was once a “hive of activity for our local industries”, as Mick Williams described in this week’s Gazette, storing timber, bales of wool, barrels of beer, groceries and all manner of goods transported by train.

In more recent times, the 150-year-old shed has sat unused, derided by some as an eyesore, while others, led by community group EuroaConnect, tried and failed to save what they saw as a significant heritage structure ripe for repurposing.

Mr More could also have been describing the current term of Strathbogie Shire Council.

Peter Stephenson, who has served as administrator for over 10 months after his stint as municipal monitor ended with council's suspension, chaired his final council meeting last week.

He sounded almost wistful as he said: “I look forward to reading many positive stories about how the election that is forthcoming delivers a strong, united council for the people of the shire, and I wish you all well.”

The end of one era marks the beginning of a new one.

On Monday, Euroa entered its KFC era, much to the excitement of local young people and fans of the Colonel’s famous fried chicken.

Where the Goods Shed once buzzed with activity, now it is the Euroa Service Centre, with its local vendors alongside fast-food outlets and a Coles Express, which teems with goods and people.

On Friday, November 15, seven new Strathbogie Shire councillors will be declared elected.

The decisions they make, and the strategic direction they set in their new council plan, will determine in part whether the Strathbogie Shire thrives or declines into the future.

Will a town like Euroa see its historic buildings crumble, replaced with retail and food chains?

Will it one day be an urban hub, a mini Shepparton with a magpie sculpture on the Seven Creeks?

Will it go in the opposite direction, fading away as the population continues to age, failing to retain or attract younger residents?

Or can the town welcome growth and development while retaining its unique character and strong sense of community?

In a time when a clear vision for the town’s future is lacking, BinneyLink is one idea that cuts through.

The concept would link both sides of Euroa – the comparatively happening east with the underdeveloped west – through an attractive pedestrian underpass facing Binney Street.

Even those skeptical of how this could be achieved, and cautious of the political leanings of EuroaConnect (the group that has championed the idea), have admitted it would be a good outcome.

EuroaConnect is discussing the idea with federal politicians, with a view to raising money for the development through grants or even crowdfunding – but it is unclear whether Inland Rail would accept the accompanying derailment of their existing plan for the railway precinct.

However, Mr More, the letter writer, referred to none of this when he observed that everything comes to an end.

The 91-year-old said these words as he delivered what he described as his final letter to the editor – marking the end of yet another era.

Mr More, we bloody loved your letters, and while we hope you may write another sometime, we will understand if you do not.

As the times change, let’s not forget the wonders or lessons of the past, nor fail to seek out a bright future.