I tend to agree with many of the comments being made in relation to any proposed centralisation of the Bargara Administration Centre on Hughes Road which is why I’ve opposed it.
Following the 2008 amalgamations, the new Council was compelled to spend a small fortune reconfiguring the office/departmental structures and operating systems of the four former Councils to enhance the use of existing buildings.
To my mind, whilst the further centralisation of some departments would, in an ideal world, be ‘handy’ and provide some long-term cost efficiencies, it certainly doesn’t rate as a ‘priority’ under the current financial situation when compared to other major issues across the region. Systems and practices have been put in place over the past 8 years and although not perfect, they are working quite well and are certainly sustainable for some years to come.
Once Council’s debt ratio falls significantly, there may well be an opportunity to look at bringing the various departments under one roof however I don’t believe that now’s the time.
I also believe that in the current financial & political climate, ratepayers could well be upset seeing significant funds being spent on a Council building even if some of the costs were offset through the sale of other assets such as the Bargara Service Centre.