GOOLWA – The Goolwa Post Office is up for sale, but Member for Mayo Jamie Briggs wants the Alexandrina Council to become the new owners, for free.

Currently located at the corner of Cadell Street and Cutting Road, the post office will move its operations to the expanded Goolwa Shopping Centre next month.

Australia Post has commissioned Brock Harcourts to sell the property, due to be auctioned on November 6.

Built in 1857 and used as the town’s railway station until 1872, the Old Telegraph building is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List and the Register of National Estate.

Expected to sell for between $500,000 and $550,000, the former post office has drawn a high amount of commercial interest from prospective buyers.

“It has attracted a strong level of interest so far in the short time it has been on the market, both locally and from Adelaide,” real estate agent Phil Rebbeck of Brock Harcourts said.

However, Mr Briggs recently asked Australia Post to consider transferring ownership to Alexandrina Council “for no financial consideration”.

“This would allow the building to be restored as part of the council’s vision for Goolwa and ensure it is enjoyed by local residents and visitors for many years to come,” he said in his letter to Australia Post managing director, Graeme John.

Mr Briggs claims the building would form a significant part of the council’s plans to redevelop Goolwa wharf, but that budget restraints mean it cannot purchase the property on the open market.

Australia Post declined the request, claiming legislation requires the corporation to manage its real estate in a commercial manner.

Mr Briggs has since taken the matter to Federal Government, urging the Minister for Finance and Deregulation Lindsay Tanner to investigate the issue urgently “with a view to have Australia Post reconsider its decision.”

Meanwhile, the Alexandrina Council discussed the matter in confidence last Monday and has asked to discuss the possibility of negotiating an offer with Australia Post.