PCYC Biloela plans to demolish facility, leave town, after hail storm

At a recent Banana Shire Council meeting, the possibility of the council acquiring the PCYC building was floated but there’s a $2 million catch.

PCYC Biloela is planning to demolish its site and withdraw from the town after extensive damage was caused by wind and hail events in late 2021.

The issue was discussed during the Banana Shire Council meeting on January 25 and the idea of the council taking over the building was floated.

It is estimated that the cost of repairs would be about $2 million.

The building is on council-owned land.

Council CEO Tom Upton asked if there was a desire to maintain the facility, and if he and Mayor Nev Ferrier could negotiate a decision to acquire the facility.

He said the structure was fine, but there was damage to the ceiling and flooring which made it unusable.

“We need to get a builder to go and have a look at it,” Mr Upton said.

However, he warned that there wouldn’t be time for a three to four month community consultation because the point of no return was three or four weeks at most.

Councillor John Ramsey expressed his concern about what would happen if the council didn’t take on the expensive facility.

“The easy decision would be to walk away from it, but what’s the political damage to us, as a council?” Cr Ramsey said.

“If we do nothing... we’re up for a caneing.”

Councillor Judy Pender said she thought it would be a good move if no-one else would take over the facility.

The councillors voted in favour of bringing the matter back to council at a later date, to decide whether to purchase the PCYC building.