THE demolition of the Millicent RSL Hall has been suggested by two Wattle Range Council elected members.
The suggestions for the council-owned building have come from Riddoch Ward representative councillor Dean Burrow and Sorby Adams Ward representative Cr Dale Price, who made the remarks at this week’s monthly meeting.
Councillors debated a staff recommendation for almost an hour to build a new $6m principal council office in Jubilee Park adjacent to the Millicent RSL Hall.
Other sites were considered but no resolution could be reached.
Cr Price said the Millicent RSL Hall could be demolished in the event of the Jubilee Park site being chosen as this would assist the new structure “make a statement”.
According to Cr Price, council owned other buildings such as the Millicent Italian Social Club which could be used by the RSL.
Cr Burrow said facilities for the RSL could be incorporated into the new principal office if Jubilee Park was the chosen site.
He said there was currently insufficient room at Jubilee Park for a new principal office.
Their personal opinions are not council policy, but they have drawn a sharp response from Millicent RSL president Chris Mathias.
“I am disappointed with the arrogance of Wattle Range Council members they would consider this without prior consultation with the RSL,” Mr Mathias said.
“The councillors have not done their research as the Millicent RSL has just signed a five-year licence to occupy with the council.
“The RSL Hall is part of the memorial area which takes in the gardens and the Cross of Sacrifice.
“The Millicent RSL would like to see the Jubilee Park retained otherwise you are taking away green space and this contrary to council’s own development plan.
“Jubilee Park is well used by locals and tourists.”
Erected as a war memorial adjacent to the Cross of Sacrifice in 1956, the Millicent RSL Hall has a licensed bar where its members of the RSL meet every week.
The North Terrace premises are also used for private rentals such as Girl Guides, indoor bowls, yoga classes, parties and dance lessons.
Council took over the ownership of the hall about 15 years ago at the request of the RSL.
Upgrading costs worth $207,000 have been completed in the past decade.
A makeover of the kitchen costing almost $60,000 was completed in 2019, with the Federal Government providing a $34,500 grant and the balance came from the council.
Under council’s ownership, other improvements have been made including upgraded sewerage connections, painting re-roofing, air-conditioning, electrical upgrade and sealing of the car park.
The only other extant RSL premises in the Wattle Range Council area are at Penola which is used by the Coonawarra/Penola RSL sub-branch.
One-time RSL clubrooms are Glencoe and Kalangadoo are now dwellings while the Mount Burr RSL clubrooms were condemned 15 years ago and deliberately set alight in a training exercise for the Country Fire Service.
