Since June, 2013 members of the village’s Progress Association and a team of generous helpers have been beavering away, building a new room.

President Bill Dobbie said it was an essential ingredient, catering for functions and as a money spinner for the Association.

The old supper room was demolished in June, 2013 after it was discovered that upgrade to meet standards would be too costly. Its replacement was estimated to cost $158,000 to $231,000.

One year on, a “very solid building” stands in its place, independent of the hall but lacking a ceiling.

Completing the rendering will soak up remaining funds.

“We would like to get the ceiling up and completed so an occupation certificate can be issued and the supper room be used for functions again,” Mr Dobbie wrote to Council.

“The alternative is to continue fundraising locally but to raise this sum could take a few years.”

The Association asked Council for $10,700 to fund the work.

Corporate services director Brendan Hollands recommended to last Tuesday’s meeting that the money come from the recently created ‘Village Plan’ reserve.

But Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk asked that the funds come from Council’s budget proper.

“We haven’t set the parameters for the village plan reserve yet so to dip into it at this stage is I think, premature,” he said.

Councillors agreed the ceiling’s funding should be considered as a matter of priority in the September quarterly budget review.