A FINAL bid to halt the construction of the controversial Home and Community Care (HACC) Shed in Bombala has been squashed by a majority of councillors.
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Councillor Sue Haslingden, who put forward a motion to find an alternative site for the shed, said she was disappointed that construction on the building was well underway despite her and residents’ efforts.
“I put forward the motion in the hope that there could be further investigation put into the site but no one seconded my motion,” she said.
“This essentially means that council cannot debate the issue and that there is nothing more I can do as a councillor.
“During this process I have tried to represent the community to the best of my ability and I believe I have done that in this situation.
“I respect my fellow councillors and they have been elected by the people of the community to represent them.”
The motion that Cr Haslingden put forward was that council should thoroughly investigate various locations either within the library area or other potential sites, for the positioning of the proposed garage for HACC vehicles and bring a report back to the next ordinary council meeting in June.
Cr Haslingden is disappointed with the outcome of the meeting but is proud of the residents who were involved in the move for alternative plans for the HACC Shed site.
“I was disappointed because it is such a lovely park and there were some beautiful and practical ideas presented like the outdoor reading room.
“I think the people that were involved in the protest around the HACC Shed had very good intentions.”
Cr Haslingden believes as a relatively young councillor the experience has taught her a lesson in local government.
She also feels the issue has created interest from the community on the process in their local government.
“This has been a wonderful experience and when I drive past that HACC Shed I’m reminded of how hard I must work in the future,” she said.
“I think it’s an example of how the wheels of local government work and also a great reminder to many people in the community that they need to get involved and open up a conversation about our community.”