March 15, 2017
A decision to purchase a former Ergon Energy building and freehold land in Haly Street, Kingaroy was overturned at Wednesday’s South Burnett Regional Council meeting.
In February, Councillors voted unanimously to acquire the building and its associated car park, which was originally owned by the Wide Bay-Burnett Electricity Board, for $475,000.
After the meeting, though, some Councillors began to have doubts the purchase was appropriate in the Council’s current financial circumstances.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Councillors heard that if the purchase went ahead it would significantly reduce the money available for any future building renewal or replacement projects.
They also heard the need to seal the car park at the rear of the building would adversely impact the funds available for future capital works.
In light of these concerns, Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff moved the February purchase decision be rescinded.
Her motion was seconded by Cr Spud Jones.
After the vote, though, Cr Terry Fleischfresser proposed a follow-up motion the matter be allowed to lay on the table until May.
Cr Fleischfresser said in light of new information he’d received, he thought a complete financial analysis of the purchase along with a study of operational efficiences that might be made if Council bought the building was worth looking at.
Councillors agreed to revisit the topic in two months time.
- Related article: Doubts Raised Over Ergon Purchase
