“I feel like council has bypassed the subcommittee and it seems like that land that is being considered in on historic grounds. The question is whether council is trying to get this land off the historic landmark,” Cr Butler said.

General Manager David Rowe said that the land near the Museum was flagged as a future possibility, however in relation to the development of the car park, this was only one option. 

Cr Butler was concerned that council has been neglecting the concerns of the community by not responding to their questions. Simon Cassidy explained that he hasn’t received any concerns or questions from the public regarding the location of the car park.  

“I am unaware of any correspondence, the notion that I didn't respond to anything is flat out wrong,” Mr Cassidy said. 

Cr Frost suggested that more transparency was needed in the project and a more proactive approach is needed in dealing with that committee. 

Council discussed the development of Murrumbateman, Cr Jones announced that with the warmer weather the youth council will be looking at doing the mural on the toilet block very soon. 

Cr Jones voiced concern over the issue of occupational speech as an immediate problem in the local area, explaining that there is strategic plan to further this type of education and that council has a responsibility to the community to look at ways of providing this facility to young children. 

“This really needs to be reviewed, we are a rapidly growing region, we seem to be in a significant downfall in this area.”

The General Manager agreed that is there was a problem we need to fix it, however further data needs to be collected before council moves to rectify the problem.  

Childcare in Murrumbateman was also raised as an issue by Cr Jones suggesting that there isn’t enough facilities in the area.  

“Mecca already has 86 children and are only meeting the needs of preschool education. We do need to address this because families are under stress. Students are coming from Gundaroo all the way to Hall, as well as people driving from Yass. 

“We need to look at cost neutral ways to asses the problem and to meet these demands.”

General Manager David Rowe suggested including the Murrumbateman Progress Association in assisting the project and said a report will be welcomed to council.

Cr Jones is looking at the report to include quantifiable demographic data, and a summary of discussions with community groups such as MPA, Mecca and Murrumbateman playgroup. A cost neutral economic development options should be considered to facilitate the community/ private sector to meet demands, should that report identify urgent need.   

For more council briefs, pick up Wednesdays copy of the Tribune.