'Site swap' off the table

Councillors have made good on their promise to listen to feedback regarding a proposed site swap involving the VIC building and Police, with the proposal now removed from early plans around the new library project.

The Cultural Framework around the new library and cultural precinct was officially adopted at last night's meeting, with all references to the proposed site swap removed from the plans.

The decision follows an undertaking at the March meeting to rule out the VIC as a possible site for the new Police station.

Mayor Darriea Turley said the outcome showed that Councillors and Council management are listening to the community.

"We said right from the outset that the site swap was nothing more than an idea that we were putting out for the community to consider," said Mayor Turley.

"There were some pretty outlandish claims flying around that the site swap was already a done deal and that Council wouldn't listen, but I think last night's decision has shown those claims to be completely unfounded.

"Hopefully this outcome shows that Council is receptive to feedback, and will encourage people to give Council the benefit of the doubt in future community engagement."

Mayor Turley said Council remained excited about the future of the new library and cultural precinct, with the project now ready to move to the next stage.

“The site swap debate was probably detracting from the overall positivity this project has generated in the community, so it will be great to move past that and into the design phase and really progress the project," she said.

"The fact remains that we need a new building to house our library and archives, and we'll continue to work on a plan to provide the best possible new facility and surrounds for our residents.”