New doubt over libraryBy Paul Dunlop

PLANS to relocate Pakenham Library could be shelved.
Cardinia Shire Council last week cast aside an inprinciple vote of support for building a new facility at PB Ronald Reserve.
The move defied advice from shire officers who warned a $480,000 State Government grant could be jeopardised as a result.
New councillor Ed Chatwin led the push to overturn the previous council’s decision, saying he wanted the new council to think again whether to build a new library or simply refurbish the existing one.
The Ranges Ward councillor said the previous council was clearly in favour of building a new facility.
But Cr Chatwin said events over the past few months justified revisiting the issue.
“I feel quite passionately about this,” he said.
Cr Chatwin’s rescission motion was the subject of some debate at council’s first official meeting for 2006.
It came after council decided last June to give inprinciple support for building a new library next to the Pakenham Hall, across the road from the present John Street site.
That decision was something of a surprise at the time but shire officers said it would keep council in the running for State Government funding while also leaving it free to consider any other options available to improve library services in Pakenham.
Councillors who supported Cr Chatwin said they wanted to keep their options about the library open.
But acting chief executive officer Gary McQuillan advised against the change. He said under the original decision, council was not committed to moving or retaining the library.
Mr McQuillan said council would have to advise the State Government if it again altered its position and would also have to seek a further extension of time to submit revised plans for funding.
“I’m not sure whether they’ll actually accept it,” Mr McQuillan said.
Cr Bill Pearson was in favour of letting the previous decision stand.
Cr Pearson said it might be better to wait at least until the next council meeting when the council’s position on its John Street precinct would be clearer.
He said the council was soon to discuss the future of the site of the aborted civic centre project, discussions that were also an “integral part” of forming a position on the library.
“I don’t think we’ll achieve anything (by rescinding the decision now), except maybe lose $480,000,” Cr Pearson said.
Cr Brett Owen supported Cr Chatwin. Cr Owen said a new library would cost millions of dollars with the grant possibly only a small portion of the overall cost.
Cr Owen did not think council would lose the $480,000 regardless of what action it took.
He questioned whether council could afford a new library.
Council originally received the funding to refurbish the existing facility but won State Government approval for the money to be used on a new library in council’s onestop civic centre project to be built nearby.
That project was dashed when project partner Southern Health pulled out in mid2004.
Mr McQuillan told councillors that the State Government had given the council until 31 March to make its decision.
Proposals to retain and refurbish or build a new library were intended to be put before the council in February, Mr McQuillan said.