Old hospital refurb moves ahead, but at a cost

Continued from page 1 will see the entire roof on the northern section of the main building replaced, and major internal work undertaken inside.

All internal partitioning is to be demolished and the building repartitioned into a series of discrete tenancies comprising a mix of sizes and configurations to meet the varying needs of future tenants.

These include a small university campus for up to 175 local students and staff, at least one local welfare service, and an arts organisation.

The dilapidated hospital kitchen will be turned into a modern commercial kitchen, which will be available for hire, with priority given to not-for-profit groups providing food to community members in need.

The financial risks identified by Council staff take on greater significance given the significant financial difficulties the Council is facing.

The agenda to this week’s meeting also reveals that Council’s overall budget is set to go into deficit to the tune of $435,000 in the 2023–24 financial year.

This is a consequence of a surprise increase in the emergency services levy (ESL) foisted on Council by the state government, Council’s decision to crack down on infringements such as illegal parking, dangerous dogs and van camping, and a modest pay increase for councillors.

‘It is suggested Council should consider its longer-term financial position,’ Council’s Manager of Corporate Services, Heather Sills, and Finance Manager, James Brickley, said in their report.

‘The budget projections demonstrate the difficulty Council has absorbing additional costs without corresponding revenue increases’.

‘Council must carefully consider the long-term implications on its finances when it is considering the addition of a new asset or service or current service expansion.’