It was an evening in which councillors adopted a year-long plan and a $252 million budget to fund it but, according to one councillor at least, the most difficult decision at tonight’s meeting related to an $11 million loan. 

City of Greater Bendigo councillors voted tonight to act as guarantor for Bendigo Stadium Limited as it seeks loans to fund the construction of a new three-court arena capable of seating 4,000 people. 

The city has pledged $2 million towards the stadium upgrade.

Councillor Barry Lyons – who is on the BSL board – said council would only be at risk “if the sky falls in” but would save money for the BSL by reducing interest rates on their loans.  

“It’s not risk free, but it’s so minimal that I support the guarantee,” Cr Lyons said. 

But councillor Peter Cox argued the decision be deferred until more research was done on the potential savings if council acted as a guarantor. He cited a $6 million blowout on the project as a reason to be concerned about “locking future councils” into the role as guarantor. 

“There is the possibility that the banks lower interest rates if council acts as guarantor,” Cr Cox said. 

“But we haven’t got a report in front of us detailing all that information, that’s what I’m disappointed about. 

“I personally think the process has broken down.

“We are committing future councils to an $11 million loan – but we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”

Councillor Lisa Ruffell raised a separate concern, but said she felt her hand was forced as construction had already begun. 

“I’m concerned that their funding all comes down to gambling,” Cr Ruffell said.

“I have deep reservations, but I see no other option but to support it.”

The item was carried despite Cr Cox and councillor Helen Leach voting against it. 

Earlier, Cr Ruffell was the sole voice to speak out against a move to reject a petition to keep the Bendigo Aquatic Centre open during winter. 

“We have 105 people living in the area who want this but we’re saying to them we value cost over well-being,” Cr Ruffell said. 

“We want our community to walk, ride swim… and here we have a group of people who want to swim during winter.

“Why can’t we do a trial? Why can’t we give them a go?

“I believe if we did it wouldn't just be 105 people using this pool, it would be a lot more people.”

Other councillors reluctantly spoke out against the petition, citing the report’s figures which calculated it would mean subsidising every swim to the tune of between $54 to $109.