Bill West
RAW emotion bubbled over on Monday night when Mitchell Shire Council voted 5-2 in favour of leasing the north-west corner of Hadfield Park for the multi-million dollar Wallan Super Clinic.
Former councillor Kate Russell shouted: “Disgraceful – you ought to be sacked – it’s public open space” before leaving the council chamber with several other staunch opponents of leasing the parkland.
They waited outside the chamber and made their feelings known when councillors emerged
It was revealed that it may take up to 14 months to rezone the parkland, and councillors who supported leasing the land to Mitchell Community Health Services hinted that in that period of time, something may emerge which results in the Super Clinic being sited elsewhere, with no need to use the parkland.
While it seems there is overwhelming support for the super clinic, first promised before the 2007 election, the siting issue continues to be a divisive one.
Different interpretations were placed on the intent of huge numbers of people (well over 2500) who had their names on petitions, with Cr Kelley Stewart claming that the petition organised by Federal MP Rob Mitchell actually had more Wallan support than the one generated by the Wallan Environment Group.
Commenting yesterday, Mr Mitchell said he is pleased that a majority of councillors have acknowledged “what our community has been calling for, and that is the need for increased health services in Wallan”.
“This is a great first step in ensuring our community has access to the additional health services we desperately need to cater for the growing demands in our region.”
He said the super clinic will provide GP services including after hours services; chronic disease management services and a range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, dieticians, podiatry and counselling.
Mr Mitchell also elaborated on $2.6 million provided in the Federal Budget for the construction of a new primary health care centre to be integrated with the Wallan Super Clinic.
This makes a total of $6.1 million for the overall project, though council’s community and recreation director, Rob McVernon, informed Monday’s council meeting that it is now understood $6.5 million is available, but this does not include funding for land.
Mr McVernon placed a three-page report before council outlining the history and current situation of the Wallan Super Clinic.
Crs Graeme Coppel and Des Callaghan left the council chamber, declaring an interest, and Cr Sue Marstaeller was elected temporary chair.
MOTION IN FAVOUR
Cr Stewart moved in favour of moving forward with the lease, stating that this was primarily because if council says ‘No, the funding will go elsewhere.
“It’s important to grab hold of the funding and make sure we get the Super Clinic,: she said.
Cr Stewart said funding may become available to purchase land.
There have been offers of land from developers, and “free land” to the south of the town if a rezoning occurs.
Cr Robert Parker said he was passionately against leasing the parkland, but totally in favour of the super clinic.
He submitted that it is a form of blackmail council is faced with.
Cr Trevor Tobias said he supports Cr Stewart, as this allows the process to continue, and the super clinic may end up in Hadfield Park, or somewhere else.
Cr Ross Lee said he strongly opposes the Super Clinic going in Hadfield Park, and accused Mr Mitchell of “manipulation” in putting an image of the park on the back of the petition he wanted people to sign.
“I was elected to support the ratepayers of Mitchell Shire and I don’t believe they want it (in Hadfield Park),” he said.
He said what was proposed its against council’s public open space plans.
Cr Bill Melbourne said council has a responsibility for the health and well-being of the shire’s residents.
He said it only begins the process of allowing a lease arrangement to occur.
“We need to secure the funding,” he said.
Cr Sue Marstaeller said it was a difficult decision to make, and so many petitioners were for and against the location.
She said council cannot “throw away” $6.5 million, and needs to give Mitchell Community Health Services an option to go ahead.
Cr Stewart said she disagreed with Cr Lee’s comments about Rob Mitchell, and agreed with Cr Marstaeller that there is a “mixed bag” of views.
You can’t see a doctor at times, and more needed primary care will be achieved, Cr Stewart submitted.
The only councillor who did not speak on the subject was Cr Kevin Mulroney.
“We have the chance to move forward,” she said, before the motion was put and carried.5-2, triggering an exodus by some Wallan residents and the “should be sacked” call from Ms Russell.
