Improved offer needed
It is impossible for residents to ask informed questions of, or offer thoughtful contributions to councillors on the Gov Hub proposal because the officers’ report is limited and confusing, and the CEO has deemed most key documents confidential.
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The officers, the government, and gagged councillors hold all the cards. Most of us agree on the need to consolidate council offices on one site. The big concerns are how council has gone about the process and did it get the best deal?
Without following the details in Recommendation 11 from the Independent Review on office consolidation which called for significant communication and community consultation, a feasibility study and a full investment grade business case, a council officers’ report at the last minute lobs in residents’ laps recommending council government co- location into a $90 million leased Gov Hub. Council will debate the proposal on Wednesday night. No Gov Hub consultation, nothing in the community Plan, no previous Council agenda item etc. No wonder residents get mad.
Ballarat will receive $100 million for their Hub, built on Crown Land and 600 new jobs. With Bendigo receiving a paltry $16 million and 100 jobs and us giving up our land. Our compliant Mayor and CEO say we can’t compare the two proposals. A smokescreen.
Greater Bendigo is being dudded big time and that’s not fair. Ballarat also received numerous State government benefits at the expense of Bendigo, including the recent country VicRoads headquarters, and the impending high speed rail extension. No wonder property prices went up 9 per cent; Bendigo only 4 per cent. Ballarat building approvals up 54 per cent, Bendigo region 22 per cent.
New Law Courts, the redevelopment of the Bendigo TAFE city campus and the Gov Hub are important projects for the future of our city.
I urge Councillors not to be rushed. Those leaning to a GovHub hold off until a much improved State Government funding and staffing deal is on the table. In the meantime organize a petition, and arrange a deputation of councillors and residents to meet with the Premier. Councillors, stand up for Greater Bendigo.
Michael McKenzie, Strathdale
No contact made
Your paper of Saturday 16th February carried a paid advertisement regarding the proposed Gov Hub for the CBD of Bendigo. The Bendigo Gov Hub is designed to bring together in one new modern building over 1000 State Government and council staff.
This project has been publicly known for many years. From it being a key recommendation in the Independent Review of 2013, to council adopting to pursue this in the following years. $1m was allocated in the 2017 State Budget to get the planning going and then $16m announced in the 2018 Budget by the State Government to help make this long talked about need for our city a reality.
I understand with projects of this size and ambition that there will be from time to time people who want to stop progress. These public debates are welcome and should always be based on fact. The two men who authorised this paid advertisement have not made any effort to contact me or my colleague Maree Edwards to discuss their concerns.
I look forward to continuing to work with the City of Greater Bendigo.
Jacinta Allan MP, Member for Bendigo East
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