MOORABOOL Council has rejected a community group’s request for financial help as it sets about raising $1 million for a proposed Bacchus Marsh aquatic centre.
Several councillors argued that approving the consortium’s request for $500 to fund administrative and operational costs would set a bad precedent. While a council report suggested “council needs to support [the consortium] where possible,” Cr John Spain, a consortium member, argued that the council and the group were not a joint venture.
“It’s not the amount of money, it’s the precedent it sets. A couple of shire meetings ago this speaker of the group was declaring they’d be able to do things independently.”
Cr Tonia Dudzik said the consortium was a “unique group” which deserved special consideration. “They represent the community. What’s $500 in the scope of things?
“It’s not much to give a group a head start and make a project feasible,” she said.
“Does council want a swimming pool or not?
“Because we’re relying on this consortium to raise funds to make it happen.”
