By PETER DOUGLAS
CONSTRUCTION of the Hills Hub project is slated to start within months – but a final design has yet to be agreed on.
The Hills Hub redevelopment in Emerald has been in planning phase for more than one year but planning undertaken around the concept designs has stalled for some months.
Subsequently, community concern is becoming louder – with some residents fearful that funds secured for the project could be in jeopardy.
The development seeks to unite numerous community services under the one roof, including health and counselling services, an arts space and local tourism promotion.
The project has received funding of more than $5 million, sourced from Federal and local governments, as well as the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Group and the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group.
In correspondence to the Mail, Cockatoo resident Colin Wales said it was time for the community to start asking questions.
“The community should ask why the Hills Hub project, with its potential for significant benefit to the community, has stalled,” he said.
“The answer, I am told, is that part of the site is under control of the Emerald Mechanics Institute Committee of Management, which is appointed by the State Government, and the balance owned by (Cardinia Shire) Council.
“The committee of management (COM) wants to continue controlling the design of the development, and determining the future management of the State-owned part of the site.
“Two separate controlling bodies and two future governance arrangements for one project is ridiculous – a recipe for chaos.
“It is time the interests of the community were put ahead of the narrow interests of COMs.”
Mr Wales’s comments won support from local resident Ian Robins, who said a solution to the impasse must be found.
“The solution involves leadership – two governance groups for one project is nonsensical,” Mr Robins said.
“The existing building no longer meets the current standards for disability access, fire protection or some building requirements.
“It is critical that the governance issue is resolved as a matter of priority.”
Meanwhile, Peter Marke, from the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank, agreed it was time for action.
“We’ve been very supportive of the concept of a hub facility in Emerald,” he said.
“It’s time to put aside differences for the betterment of the community and get the project moving.
“Unless something is done, this has the potential to jeopardise the funding arrangements secured.”
In reply, Cardinia Shire Council’s community strengthening team leader Tim Cooper reiterated much the same sentiment to his initial response back in February.
“The Hills Hub redevelopment has been in planning phase for more than 12 months with a wide range of community stakeholders making up the Hills Hub Advisory Group,” he said.
“At this point in time, the planning undertaken around the concept designs has stalled.
“The council has been in discussions with the Mechanics Hall Committee of Management and are encouraged by recent correspondence indicating support for wider community consultation on a range of concept designs.
“We have received confirmation … from the Committee of Management that the community feedback will determine the preferred model for the Hills Hub redevelopment.
“Council and the Hills Hub Advisory Committee believe that it is vital the community feedback is listened to.”
Mr Cooper said the promised funding was still secure.
“The Australian Government funding of $1.5 million is still secure as is the council’s $3.5 million commitment to the project and the Bendigo Bank funding of $250,000 through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Project Group,” he said.
The Hills Hub is to be located at the Emerald Library and Mechanics Hall precinct.
The existing hall was to be renovated and a new building constructed in the space occupied by the local Men’s Shed and the University of the Third Age (U3A).
