The grant was originally awarded to the council through the NSW Government’s Sustainable Communities Program to support the Moama CBD Entry Redevelopment Project.
However, because the grant was designed to specifically assist communities affected by water buybacks, councillors believed the funding should instead benefit those most impacted within the council area, particularly residents in the Wakool Ward.
When council’s request to reallocate the grant to Wakool Ward projects was unsuccessful, councillors voted to reject the funding at the October meeting.
Three weeks after the decision was made, Cr Geoff Wise put forth a motion to rescind it at council’s most recent meeting.
Although Cr Wise had originally voted to reject the funds, he said he changed his mind after speaking to Wakool residents.
“This council can't really afford to lose ($1,078,164). We don't have that luxury, unfortunately,” he said.
“I went up to Moulamein and spoke to people from Moulamein ... those people were very much against it at the time.
“I ended up voting for the money to be returned, but I spoke to those very same people only last week ... and they all agreed to keep the money so long as we could put it (future grants) back into the Wakool/Moulamein area.”
As part of the Moama CBD Entry Redevelopment Project, the old council buildings will be demolished to allow construction of a new toilet block with accessible features.
The project will also involve relocating the existing bus stop and converting the current car park into a green space.
Councillors against the reversal of the decision said they were “morally” unable to support the motion and suggested repurposing the building for community use instead.
However, according to council staff, it would cost $1.3 million to rebuild the building to meet regulatory standards, a necessary step before it could be used by the public.
Greater Wakool Ward councillor Gary Pappin said revisiting the matter also reflected badly on council.
“I'm astounded, I must say, we did vote on this particular motion at the last council meeting,” he said.
“To have council sitting here today, with a rescind motion, makes council look like it's a kangaroo council.
“Council makes a decision one week, and then the next week they’ve changed (to) a different decision. We need to be consistent as a council for the constituents right across the LGA.”
Ultimately, the motion was carried, with five councillors in favour and four against.
Council also resolved to contribute a further $369,036, bringing the total project value to $1.44 million.
Further discussions will be had to clarify the full scope of works and land classification, particularly regarding the old council office building.
In readiness for future SCP funding rounds, council staff have been working with the Greater Wakool Ward and Greater Murray Ward communities to identify suitable projects.
Council’s economic development team is also supporting local community groups and stakeholders to prepare their own applications for funding when the new round opens.
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