Leeton Shire Council has resolved to provide a $200,000 loan to the Leeton Association of Community Builders Inc (LAC-B) to enable the completion of Stage 1 works at the proposed Wattle Hill Community Centre.
The decision was made at Council's February Ordinary Meeting following a presentation from LAC-B Chair, Mr Travis Irvin, who spoke in support of the project and its potential to improve outcomes for people in the Wattle Hill community. Mr Irvin outlined the vision to collaborate with education providers, health services and police to address gaps in service delivery and strengthen social, health and wellbeing outcomes.
LAC-B secured $250,000 in NSW Government funding in 2022 to begin renovations of the former shop premises on Drummond Street. While much of the approved scope has been completed, rising construction and material costs have left a shortfall of approximately $200,000 to make the facility operational.
Cr Wright moved the motion to provide the ten-year loan, seconded by Cr Kidd, noting the importance of bringing the centre to fruition while carefully managing repayment risks. He highlighted that Wattle Hill functions almost like an outlying village, without its own school or community hall, and that limited transport and weather conditions can impact residents' ability to access services in town.
Cr Tynan, supported by Cr Edwards and Cr Morris, acknowledged that the project is a noble and worthwhile initiative. However, he spoke against the proposal, noting that Council has indicated it is in financial distress and raising concerns around risks associated with loan repayments, expressing a preference for a smaller loan option. The motion to provide the $200,000 loan was carried 4 votes to 3.
Mayor Cr George Weston said Council had carefully weighed both the financial risks and the potential community benefits, stating, "This project has already attracted significant public funding and strong volunteer commitment," Cr Weston said.
"Providing a loan enables the centre to open and begin delivering programs, while ensuring Council funds are repaid over time."
The loan funds will be sourced from Council's Land Development Reserve and will be repaid over ten years. Council will continue to work with the LAC-B as the project progresses towards completion.
