Hobsons Bay council has denied misleading the public over how much money it has committed to the proposed redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Surf Lifesaving Club (WSLSC).
In a letter published by Star Weekly last week, local resident and member of the Save Our Beach community group opposed to the redevelopment, Paul Austin, claimed council’s figures were rubbery.
“Its ‘your budget 24-25’ brochure says council is contributing $5.5 million,“ Mr Austin wrote.
“But officers now say it’s $3 million.“
In a statement to Star Weekly, a council spokesperson said the $5.5 million figure was the amount allocated to the project for that particular financial year, including funds contributed by both council and the state government.
“It does not mean council is spending $5.5 million of its own money on the project. Council’s contribution to the project is $3 million, while the Victorian Government contribution is $11.349 million,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also denied other allegations made in the letter, including that council planned to keep heritage advice on the project and the amount of money it was prepared to pay to defend it at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), secret.
“Council’s internal heritage advice and any other internal expert advice will be available in the officer assessment of the proposal,” the spokesperson said, adding that the cost of defending the matter at VCAT couldn’t be estimated beforehand.
The spokesperson also said the redevelopment would be subject to the same heritage guidelines as any other property.
While all parties agree that WSLSC’s existing facility badly needs an upgrade, opponents such as Save Our Beach and Williamstown open water swimming coach Jason Bryce argue the proposal goes too far.
“This redevelopment is creating a private social beach club using funding earmarked for lifesaving,” Mr Bryce said.
WSLSC president Joel Godde said the redevelopment was necessary to ensure the club had a facility that was fit for purpose and future proofed.
“Our current facility is not a sporting club, but an emergency management facility from which we deploy rescue services and is a vital hub for the community,” Mr Godde said.
“The proposed plans will ensure that our club finally meets the requirements of a modern life saving club.“
Council endorsed concept designs for the redevelopment last year. It is now progressing through the design and planning permit stage.
