General News
20 July, 2022
Shire, MCDC reach agreement
MOYNE Shire Council and the Mortlake Community Development Committee (MCDC) have reached an in-principle agreement, ending the dispute over use of the multi-purpose room at the Mortlake Community Centre.
MOYNE Shire Council and the Mortlake Community Development Committee (MCDC) have reached an in-principle agreement, ending the dispute over use of the multi-purpose room at the Mortlake Community Centre.
While specific details have not been finalised as the planning phase remains ongoing, the library management hub for the Corangamite and Moyne Library Service will be based in the Mortlake
Community Centre without restricting community access to the multi-purpose room.
Minor modifications are expected to be carried out to accommodate the management hub, but the impact on the existing space for library users will be minimal.
Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith thanked MCDC president Kelvin Goodall for his flexibility and positive approach to the discussions, and also thanked deputy mayor Daniel Meade, who represented council during a number of discussions with the MCDC in recent weeks.
“A lengthy process would not have been in the best interests of either MCDC or Moyne Shire Council – sitting down and talking through the issues and reaching a compromise is a much better solution,” Cr Smith said.
“Council recognises things could and should have been done differently in relation tothis matter."
“Council will reflect on the process followed and make the necessary changes."
“Our discussions and in-principle agreement ensure library services can continue to operate across the shire, embeds important council services in Mortlake and brings three new positions to the town, which has positive flow-on effects for local businesses.”
The agreement was reached earlier this week after Mr Goodall met with Moyne Shire Council chief executive officer Brett Davis and several senior council staff on Monday to continue discussions on the potential agreement.
Mr Goodall praised the shire officers and councillors for showing a willingness to find a positive solution for all involved, and for listening to community concerns.
“Discussions have been cordial and we’ve worked together towards a solution which appears to be amicable to both parties,”he said.
“The communications between the shire and MCDC over the last few weeks have enabled a positive and open exchange between us to overcome any impasse that may have existed."
“We are assured that this will continue as we reach finalisation of the integration between MCDC, the Information Centre and the new Corangamite and Moyne Library Service."
“Having reached this milestone there is still a significant amount of work to be done before completing the journey; however MCDC looks forward to working with the shire and the Corangamite and Moyne Library Service in developing a facility that the community can be proud of.”
The dispute between council and the MCDC over the lease agreement at the Mortlake Community Centre, which includes use of the multi-purpose room, has been ongoing in recent months after council planned to establish its new library management hub in the room, which had been used as a meeting point for community groups.
Backlash from the community swiftly followed after councillors supported the plan, terminating the MCDC’s existing lease agreement at the June 7 Ordinary Meeting of Council in a 6-1 vote.
The MCDC was offered a similar lease in return, but the lease excluded use of the multi-purpose room.
While the possibility of legal action loomed in response, both sides considered a costly legal battle to be a last resort and maintained open lines of communication in recent weeks as part of efforts to reach a fair compromise.
