One of Millicent’s most significant Edwardian buildings could pass out of public ownership according to an elected member of Wattle Range Council.

The building in question is the so-called “second” Millicent Primary School which was constructed in 1910 to cope with burgeoning enrolments.

Councillor Sharon Cox queried council’s continuing ownership of the former school building at a recent council meeting.

The Beachport resident was responding to a staff report which said $35,000 was needed to repair the roof and resultant water damage.

With a membership of 140, the South East Family History Group has leased the elegant stone building for the past 13 years as its research centre.

SEFHG members have been using towels to soak up the water after recent heavy downpours.

According to a council officer, the roof is leaking, water is running down the inside wall in the computer room and it has damaged the carpet.

“The walls are damp and much of the wall plaster appears to be impacted and needs to be replaced,” stated the council officer.

“Other walls appear to be showing signs of damp with paint peeling off the walls, and door jams are rotting away in the hall area.

“There is a large box gutter running east west between the roof lines and another running north south.

“This appears to be the source of the leak and will need replacing along with the old flashings.

“All the old lead flashing also appears in a poor state and will also require replacing.

“This roof work must take priority, ensuring we can stop the leak at the source to allow the building to dry out to then replace the carpet.”

Cr Cox asked council chief executive Ben Gower about the process involved in selling such a building.

In reply, Mr Gower said a first step would be to have a conversation with the group which currently leases the building.

He added the Millicent National Trust branch leased another part of the former school to display a portion of the Helen Hughes Costume Collection.

Cr John Drew strongly supported council retaining ownership of the building as it was well-used.

“We have no option but to do the repairs,” Cr Drew said.

Cr Cox also suggested that an insurance claim could be successful given the water damage may have been caused by a storm event.

Council decided to make a budget variation and has allocated $35,000 to repairs.