EIGHTEEN State Government department jobs are set to be relocated from Wangaratta.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has confirmed that it will withdraw its presence in the rural city over coming months, with staff to be relocated to offices elsewhere in the region.
Sixteen office-based DEECA staff will relocate from the Wangaratta Government Centre in Ovens Street to DEECA offices in Wodonga, Benalla and Ovens.
A further two DEECA staff, who are understood to be involved in fire management, will relocate from the Parks Victoria-managed Wangaratta depot to Benalla.
The office-based DEECA staff are understood to be involved in corporate business services, community engagement and environmental management.
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It's believed staff have been consulted about the changes and have been offered options of new locations, as well as support.
Clare Kiely, DEECA regional director Hume, said: "This transition will not affect service delivery, including emergency management.
"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our team and upholding a high standard of service for our regional communities."
In addition to the DEECA staff, six district, regional and corporate staff members from Parks Victoria (a statutory authority of the State Government) will relocate from the Wangaratta Government Centre to Parks Victoria's Wangaratta depot.
The six Parks Victoria staff members will soon join three rangers who are already working from the Greta Road depot.
Parks Victoria regional director Kane Weeks said no Parks Victoria jobs would be lost as part of the change.
"We are focused on ensuring a smooth transition for our team, while upholding a high standard of service for the Wangaratta community," he said.
Sarah Brindley, Rural City of Wangaratta director corporate and leisure, said council had greatly valued DEECA as a tenant over the years and "extends its best wishes as they transition to their new location".
"The government centre was specifically designed to encourage collaboration among government departments, and we take pride in being the home of several such departments, as well as not-for-profit organisations," Ms Brindley said.
"We are currently exploring future uses for the space DEECA occupies. In due course, we will initiate a process for expressions of interest, and would like to hear from businesses or organisations interested in leasing this well-equipped, centrally-located facility.
"The available space is approximately 475 square metres, and includes provisions for car parking.
"Interested parties are encouraged to contact council's customer service team with their details."
Wangaratta-based state MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said he was disappointed by the decision to relocate DEECA roles from the rural city.
"This impacts on the small businesses in the CBD that rely on workers to come in during the week," he said.
