Historic council meeting

With redevelopment of the West Gippsland Arts Centre set to begin within weeks, it was an historic occasion for council to meet for the final time in the chambers that has served the former Warragul Shire, Warragul Rural City and Baw Baw Shire councillors.

Council will now set up temporary chambers at Trafalgar, in the former Narracan Shire offices.

But a new permanent location for council’s chambers is yet to be decided.

With construction works set to begin within weeks for the arts centre redevelopment, council will have to find a new home for its meetings.

The redeveloped arts centre will no longer include a council chambers. The existing upstairs area of Civic Place will be incorporated into the new arts centre foyer area.

Until a permanent home is found, council will meet in the former Narracan Shire council chambers at the Trafalgar Business Centre from its March 8 meeting.

A further report will be presented to council about options for a permanent location for council’s chambers.

Speaking at the final meeting in Warragul’s Civic Place, Cr Michael Leaney said “lots of decisions have been made here, some sweet, some not so sweet.”

“I am sure there has been some heated discussions at times…this is history made here tonight,” he said.

Cr Mikaela Power said it was part of the domino effect of the arts centre redevelopment.

Cr Darren Wallace said he hoped to see representation from more east ward residents while the meetings were held in Trafalgar.