Jump forward to 2009, the Gazette published that Council seek funding for the centre but at that stage the deadline for funding didn’t give Council enough time to consult with the public. Two other sites were then mentioned as the works depot and the current site.  Also at that stage, Mr Mowle (a past Council employee) sought permission to present a 3D model to support the application costing around $6,000. Cr Shaw at the time said, “we should have open opinions at this stage.”

Also in 2009, it was discussed by Council that the proposed Civic Centre should have a museum and art gallery included in the plans. It would also have a meeting room to seat 100 plus. In May 2009, Council had a knock back on their funding application. They were one of 480 applicants in the running for a share of $2 billion. General Manager John Bell, at the time, said they [Council] had met all the criteria and had a strong application.

Jump forward again to the last Council meeting.

Councillor Cummins moved a motion saying; “The General Manager is NOT to make an application to the Building Better Regions Fund for the construction of a new Civic Centre in this first round and that the whole concept of building a new Civic Centre is to be put back on the table and the ratepayer is to be included in any future decision made by Council in relation to this project.”  The motion was defeated by five votes to four. The Council will now apply for the next funding round which closes on February 28.

Council has written to key community stakeholders and one of them mentioned at the meeting, the Progress Association, responded by saying they would like more information about the Centre before they can give written support to the application. The Progress Association said they would like to see more community engagement.