The ratepayers of Campbelltown will have to stump up an extra $13 million for the Billabong project after council voted last night to back the use of cash reserves.
A push to get more detailed costing on where and how the extra money would be spent almost got up when seven of the 14 councillors taking part in the meeting voted for it.
The mayor, George Brticevic, used his casting vote to break the deadlock.
Had independent councillor Bob Thompson – who had expressed reservations about spending more money on the project – voted for the report, it would have got up.
Two Labor councillors, Karen Hunt and Darcy Lound, were among the seven who supported the notion ratepayers had a right to know how the extra $13 million would be spent.
However the mayor and the rest of the Labor councillors turned the debate into one about support for the Billabong project, which was to have cost just under $19 million.
But Liberal Party councillor George Greiss, who tabled the amendment requesting a report detailing how the money would be spent, said he supported the Billabong, but seeking transparency for ratepayers was also the right thing to do.
Even Greens councillor Ben Moroney supported that argument, and voted for a report.
“I too want the best possible outcome for Campbelltown, but it’s also proper that we make a decision based on knowledge of the details,’’ he said.
On the other hand, veteran Labor councillor Meg Oates argued that $18.75 million would give Campbelltown a “half baked facility’’.
“What we will get with $31 million is more suited to what we need in this area,’’ Cr Oates said.
Cr Brticevic backed her in, adding: “What we will get with $18.75 million is a no frills, Franklins facility’’.
“We want to create this paradise for the people of Campbelltown.’’
Cr Greiss pointed out the obvious truth that when you spend more money on anything “you will always get a better result’’.
“This is a significant increase being sought, but there’s not enough detail, and that’s why we should pause to get a detailed report,’’ he said.
“We are accountable for every dollar we spend.’’
Totally Locally Committed (TLC) councillor Warren Morrison, who supported the amendment, suggested there was another good reason for looking into the details of the project.
“It may turn out we need $20 million more to get it right,’’ he said.
“What we want is the best possible facility that puts Campbelltown on the map,’’ he said.
But he won’t get to find out if $13 million or $20 million is needed, because the bid for a report was defeated by the use of the mayor’s casting vote.
It means that a project that was going to cost Campbelltown ratepayers just $3.75 million is now going to rocket up to closer to $20 million.
And $20 million is what council has in its unrestricted cash reserves, as the meeting was told last night.
In a media release issued this morning, Campbelltown Council said the extra $13 million will mean additional pool works, integrated artworks, improved landscape features and future proofing the site.
Construction on the project began in June and is expected to be complete by June 2022.
