WATTLE Range Council discussed the future of the Millicent and District Community Club behind closed doors at last week’s meeting.
Ahead of the meeting, councillor Kevin McGrath submitted an in-confidence motion on notice in regard to the Millicent Community Club.
Elected members voted to move into confidence, claiming it related to commercial information that could impact council’s financial position.
Council chief executive Ben Gower and Mayor Des Noll did not rule out any discussion on the potential purchase of the property.
There has long been speculation over council purchasing the building with a view to move the chamber and offices from the civic centre.
Mr Noll skirted the issue when asked about the speculation, saying “people can make up their own conclusion”.
He did not comment on council’s discussion beyond it was about “the future of the community club”.
When asked why council went into confidence, Mr Noll said “if a member wants to bring something up to speak about in confidence, there really does not have to be any justification”.
According to the Local Government Act, items may be considered in confidence if discussing commercial information of a confidential nature.
However, the act states any move into confidence must consider whether the public interest in withholding information outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
The doors closed on the debt-laden community club earlier this year after almost 54 years of trading.
The club owes $173,000 to creditors, as well as $194,000 in outstanding loan payments to council.
Administrators are seeking expressions of interest for the sale of the property, closing on January 21 next year.
