TWO Millicent residents have formed a lobby group opposing the proposed construction of a new $6m Wattle Range Council office.
The Nicole LoobyMcRostie (pictured) and Ron Buwalda led protest has already attracted hundreds of supporters in the digital realm with a physical petition also circulating at six Millicent businesses.
Established on Friday, the group dubbed Stop the Wattle Range Council spending on new council offices in Millicent – has used its platform to question council’s spending priorities.
While the social media posts have fuelled debate, council chief executive Ben Gower yesterday stated incorrect information was also being circulated online.
The physical petition calls on council to defer its decision to construct a new multi-million dollar office complex, claiming “the decision was made by elected members without reasonable consultation with Wattle Range ratepayers”.
It also calls for further consultation with ratepayers to be held.
Council has debated the site for a new office at its June and July monthly council meetings with public input invited on possible sites.
The community has also been invited to comment on the suitability of four preferred sites: Apex Park, Jubilee Park, former North Terrace netball courts and the current office site.
Costings obtained by council put the estimated cost of a new office at $6m.
Ms Looby-McRostie will deliver copies of the petition to the other Wattle Range communities including Penola, Nangwarry, Kalangadoo, South end , Beachport, Tantanoola and Glencoe.
“We have not put a cut-off date for signing the petition but expect it will be about a month,” Ms Looby-McRostie said.
“Because of COVID-19, a lot of people are only going out to do their shopping every two or three weeks.
“I have contacted Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and an approach will be made to Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll.”
According to Ms LoobyMcRostie, there was “no point” in approaching the council directly as the 12 elected members had already decided a new office in Millicent would be built.
She said at least one public protest meeting on the office issue was under consideration.
“Meetings are definitely in the mix.
“It all depends on what the council does.
“Let the community speak.”
Ms Looby-McRostie is at pains to state the office protest actions are not directed at council staff but rather the elected members.
Council chief executive Ben Gower said there has been a significant amount of incorrect information circulated on social media with regard to the proposed new council offices.
“I encourage residents to contact their elected member for a chat should they wish to clarify any points with regard to this matter,” Mr Gower said.
“I would also encourage anyone who is interested in seeing our current facilities to contact me to arrange a tour.”
