Library causes conflict

Cr Cahill’s bid to re-examine location is defeated

A COUNCILLOR’S failed bid to re-examine the proposed location of the new Highfields library has turned into a verbal sparring session in the council chambers.

Cr Bill Cahill brought forward the amended motion at yesterday’s ordinary meeting, hoping to reignite the discussion about the position of the building.

The new library, which is designated for a block of land next to Sean McCarthy Way in Highfields, was not up for consultation for the new master plan being drafted by Toowoomba Regional Council.

Cr Cahill argued the community deserved input into the project as part of the new scheme, saying the circumstances had changed since the council bought 19 hectares of land from developer Clive Berghofer late last year.

“This is about empowering the community to have some input about this decision,” he said.

“We can press ahead with our master planning and empower the community to be involved with how the library is involved with that.”

Cr Geoff McDonald slammed the proposal, saying the amendment to the motion would set back the delivery of the library by years.

“The notion put forward may be good, but we know for certain where we are is good,” Cr McDonald said.

“These people have been crying out for a library, and I’m quite comfortable with a good decision.”

The amendment received support from Crs James O’Shea and Megan O’Hara-Sullivan.

Speaking after the meeting, Cr Cahill acknowledged his proposal would have delayed delivery, but said residents would have been willing to wait anyway.

“How could everyone not vote to empower the community to have some say on some critical public infrastructure?” he asked.

❝ This is about empowering the community to have some input. — Cr Bill Cahill