The service centre is viewed by Greater Hume Shire Council as a key strategy in bolstering economic development and employment in the town, offsetting the negative impact of Holbrook being bypassed in 2012.

Offers from developers to establish the service centre on the former town common are now being processed and were discussed in closed council at the November meeting.

“Council has received five solid Expressions of Interest,” the General Manager Steven Pinnuck said last week.

Respondents were asked for concept sketches and to demonstrate their ability, experience and financial capacity to undertake the project.

“Council has sought legal advice because the next steps will be among the most important decisions Greater Hume will make through this term of office and we have to get it right,” Mr Pinnuck said.

Due to its location halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and three hours travelling from national capital, Council believes Holbrook is well situated for a service centre especially for north bound traffic.

The nearest service centre for north bound traffic is 180km away, near Glenrowan, Victoria, in the south. After Tarcutta is bypassed, the nearest service centre to the north will be 113 kilometres away at Gundagai.

Mr Pinnuck said the service centre development stalled at Chiltern and we want to avoid selecting a developer that hasn’t the resources to complete the job.

Council has undertaken to fully service the site with water, sewerage, electricity, telephone, and stormwater drainage. Natural gas may be available by negotiation.

The Holbrook service centre is expected to create in excess of 100 jobs: approximately 30 for the fuel outlet and a further 80-85 people working from a food outlet.