Cr Margaret O'Neill calls stop work on Goulburn performance venue

The move at Tuesday night’s council meeting came three months after councillors decided to press ahead with the $11.4 million facility.

In a notice of motion tendered after the meeting, Cr O’Neill asked for a councillor workshop before any more planning proceeded.

The workshop would “conduct a comprehensive needs and priority assessment of the performing arts centre to objectively decide if or when (the council) commits or continues to commit to the project.”

Architects Brewster Hjorth are well advanced with plans for the McDermott Centre’s adaptation for the centre.

Other preliminary planning is also well underway to meet timelines tied to a $1 million federal government grant for the work.

But Cr O’Neill said she was concerned that the council was over committing, given the aquatic centre’s upgrade as well.

“You’ve got to look at your priorities and what serves the community best,” she said.

“We also have a multi-function centre at Veolia. Why can’t we bring that up to standard?”

In her notice of motion she stated it was “nearly impossible to produce a cost-benefit analysis” for ratepayers and the price “continued to grow exponentially.”

She feared the performing arts did not attract the same support now as in the Lilac Time Hall’s heyday.

Cr O’Neill told The Post she was also worried there was no additional parking provided for the performance venue.

The council in its DA stated there was “more than ample” off-street parking available to meet needs.”

But it remains to be seen at the next council meeting whether she wins support for the motion.

Earlier, she took exception to general manager Warwick Bennett’s recommendation to call tenders in demolition of a rear 1936 additions at the McDermott Centre. Architects recommended this to make way for the performing arts venue.

“You’re putting the cart before the horse,” Cr O’Neill told the meeting.

“The development application is out for public comment until February 18 so this motion is out of order. It’s like you’re not taking any notice of the public submissions.”

She asked for the report to be deferred until after that date.

But Mr Bennett replied that it was not authorising the demolition, merely calling for tenders. Moreover, the matter wouldn’t be considered until “well after” the 18^th.”

The Southern Regional Planning Panel also had to assess the DA and no demolition could occur until it was approved.

Mr Bennett explained this part of the process could be drawn out by archaeological work. It was also necessary to call tenders now to meet “tight” National Stronger Regions grant timelines. Under the terms, work must be completed by December, 2018.

“Unless I’m reading this wrong, the council made a determination in November to proceed with the project. If that’s not the case, you need to give us (management) a different direction,” Mr Bennett said.