By BRIDGET SCOTT
ROADS surrounding Cardinia Shire Council’s new civic centre are still under construction and a concerned resident fears how much money it will cost ratepayers while the building stands there idle.
After council announced last year that it had purchased its new civic centre in Officer, it was estimated the new centre would be up and running halfway through 2014.
However council has confirmed it was advised by Places Victoria that the completion of the roads and services had been postponed.
Chief Executive Officer of the Cardinia Shire Gary McQuillan said works at the site would be “completed simultaneously.”
“The fit-out of the building and associated infrastructure works are ongoing, including the construction of Siding Avenue,” he said.
Outspoken Officer resident Andrew McNabb was already concerned about the costs associated with the new offices, and said he would like to know how much it would cost ratepayers for the building to stand there without being used.
“Are we paying for them to sit there idle?” he said.
“More ratepayers’ money.”
Mr McNabb, who said his rates had doubled in the past two years, said the offices were sitting there ready to go, with no road to access them.
Mr McQuillan said Places Victoria was responsible for the contractors who have completed the works at the site.
“Places Victoria has advised that the completion of the roads and services has been delayed due to poor weather,” Mr McQuillan said.
He added that council was being regularly updated about the development on the new offices.
“Council is being kept informed on the progress and a date for moving into the new offices will be confirmed once the effect of the wet weather is established,” he said.
“The specific date of the move will be known towards the end of August. However, council will be moving into the new building later this year. ”
Mr McNabb said he wanted council to disclose what had caused the hold-up with the roads construction.
“Council need to tell us why they are not shifting in until October,” he said.
“People want answers.”
