If being squeezed in like sardines at last night’s meetings doesn’t convince Campbeltown Council it needs a bigger chamber I am not sure what will.
All part of the new way of doing things since the September election, even the media copped it last night.
Three of us had to make do with a makeshift table for two that was stationed right in front of the packed public gallery as an extra row.
People being people, there was chatter behind us while councillors were on their feet, making it hard for the journos to hear what was being said.
But I don’t want to make this about the media because the truth is that Campbelltown Council should have built a new, bigger chamber a long time ago.
Maybe now that a proactive general manager – Lindy Deitz – is in charge, we will see some action on this front.
Retired councillor Paul Hawker, who served one term as mayor last year, says the late Labor councillor Brenton Banfield was talking about the need for a new chamber a decade ago.
Banfield, who served as mayor also, had an interesting solution in mind, according to Paul Hawker.
He wanted council to build a chamber on top of the civic hall in front of the main council administration building.
It would have allowed for more than double the seating in the public gallery, as well as more comfortable arrangements for councillors, the general manager and the senior staff who have to attend council meetings.
Get on and do it, says Hawker, who adds that Campbelltown Council has the money to put a nicely designed top floor over the civic hall.
The place is growing and the current chamber is just way too small he reckons, and I agree.
So, over to you, Lindy Deitz.
Hope my chairs stays ?