COUNCIL has pledged a $1250 shared contribution towards temporary repairs to the badly potholed public parking space behind the hotel with work to start tomorrow.
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The issue generated lively debate across the chamber floor last week with two Dorrigo faction councillors opposing the one-off payment.
At the urging of Mayor Mark Troy councillors adopted a resolution to pay a “one off” quarter share of the estimated cost of repairs to the site which is privately-owned but administered by the shire.
It follows a steady chorus of public protests and lobbying, including by this newspaper, about the appalling condition of the parking site, a large section of which resembles a cratered moonscape.
In supporting the motion, Councillor Gordon Manning, described the amount of ratepayer money being allocated as a “pittance.”
“It’s about goodwill, getting the press off everybody’s back. Its (car-park) in the centre of town and looks a disgrace,” Cr Manning said.
Under the agreement temporary repairs will be carried out with council paying one quarter and the balance to be contributed by the owners of the land which is privately owned but allocated for public use.
The four private owners are Hammond and Wheatley, IGA, Federal Hotel and Bellingen Solar/Kombu.
An initial quote of $5000 has been received by Council which would cover interim repairs to fill a badly-potholed strip on the eastern corner with a mix of bitumen and aggregate.
Dissenting councillors Gary Carter and Desmae Harrison, opposed the funding allocation on the grounds the land was not on the Council’s asset register and therefore the responsibility of the owners to repair.
“Council has a policy of no private works and this is private,” said Cr Carter, prompting Cr Steve Klipin to reply that the land while privately-owned serves as a public amenity.
Councillors also heard a warning that Thora farmer, Darcey Browning, was preparing to take unilateral action to affect repairs if Council could not agree on a funding contribution.
Deputy Mayor David Scott warned of the precedent of allocating public money to repair private property.
Councillor Manning earlier suggested the shire acquire the land, and install parking meters “to make some money from it.”
Before the vote was taken Mayor Troy warned that if the motion was lost, there would be no money to repair the pot holes.
“This is a one-off contribution and will not bind the Council to any ongoing maintenance up there,” he said.
On Monday, well-known Thora farmer, Darcey Browning, offered to fill the holes for $500.
“That’s my price to fill the holes until Council can come up with a permanent solution – I’m off to see Liz Jeremy (general manager) now with my offer,” he told the Courier-Sun.
We understand Mr Browning emerged from chambers feeling a little crest-fallen after after being informed of the Council’s plans to affect repairs this week.
