By BEN CAMERON
CARDINIA Shire Council’s new $25 million Officer headquarters is a noose around the neck of ratepayers, former mayor Garry Runge believes.
The council officially opened its new headquarters two weeks ago with a visit from the Governor of Victoria.
However Mr Runge, now working in the office of La Trobe MP Jason Wood, said the council should have developed its old facilities in Henty Way considering the “crazy” price tag of new buildings.
“I don’t agree with what they’ve done,” he said.
“I think it’s putting a noose around the ratepayers’ necks for a long time, by buying that.
“I think it’s made it very difficult for the ratepayers, who have to pay for it.”
Then mayor Graeme Moore said the council’s move to new offices would deliver a range of operational and community benefits, consolidating all indoor staff into one location to provide greater organisation efficiency, improved customer service and easier access to the council.
However Mr Runge also questioned the centre’s location.
“It’s stuck in the middle of nowhere,” he said.
“It’s not in the middle of Cardinia, Pakenham is the centre of Cardinia.”
“I would have elected to stay where they were and stay on the hill.
“I don’t agree with the location, and the expense is outstanding, it’s crazy.”
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services said plans for a health hub at the council’s former buildings would be announced “in due course”.
“We know this is a fast growing region in Melbourne and that the community wants to access key health services close to home,” she said.
Mr Runge also said a potential new satellite office at the Emerald Community Hub would be handy for hills residents, although he disagrees with them in principle.
“I don’t think they need satellite offices,” he said.
“The further we move forward, the more we do things digitally.
“But I understand people from the hills have to come all the way to Officer.
“So one in Emerald would be advantageous for people who want to talk face-to-face.”
