Changes put heat on SES

A VOLUNTEER State Emergency Service group has accused Townsville City Council of bungling plans for its relocation to a new shed, spoiling chances for the airconditioning of its existing premises and causing $ 30,000 worth of new equipment to be kept in storage.

Meanwhile, the council is standing by its processes but has volunteered to help the group apply for funding to improve its existing premises.

Magnetic Island’s SES group leader, Murray Withers, said the group had “lost out due to the numerous changes of mind within the council”.

Mr Withers said the group had gained approval for a $ 29,000 grant to aircondition the current shed but considering the council’s plans to relocate it and a deadline for the grant to be spent, opted to buy new equipment and furniture for the new shed.

“There is no room in our current shed to use or store this gear, so it is housed in a warehouse in Townsville,” Mr Withers said.

“Now we find Magnetic Island SES Group with a shed that is really too hot to use in summer, and is getting too small for our 25 members.”

The saga began in 2016 when the council identified a need for industrial land on the island. Land in Nelly Bay, including the SES shed, was con- sidered appropriate and consultants were hired to apply for a rezoning, which is still in progress.

Last October, a desktop analysis by the council’s Land Use and Urban Design team identified the Hurst St site in Picnic Bay most suitable for the SES and the council applied to the state for a park reserve status to be revoked.

In June, it went out to consultation and 426 individual submissions and signatories of two petitions were received, mostly from people on the island vehemently opposed to the move of the SES shed or the revoking of the parkland.

This week the council’s planning committee accepted a recommendation to abandon the Hurst St plans and help the SES arrange a new lease for its Nelly Bay site.

Cr Ann- Maree Greaney welcomed the about- face.

“It’s good to see we have actually listened to what the locals have said on the island and taken that feedback on board,” Cr Greaney said.

Meanwhile, a council spokesman said the council had amended its rezoning application to create the Nelly Bay industrial land, allowing the SES to remain in its current location.

“Council will assist the Magnetic Island State Emergency Service group to apply for state or federal funding for any future facilities improvements,” the spokesman said.