Timeline: Crucial calls on one of the region’s most controversial project
In the lead up to tonight’s extraordinary meeting catch up with the history of the project. For years, the Advocate has been following the issue closely.
Coffs Harbour
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In the lead up to tonight’s extraordinary meeting catch up with the history of the Cultural and Civic Space in our timeline.
Tonight’s meeting was called by Cr Sally Townley who was ‘shocked’ to learn of the plan to transport acid sulfate soils removed from the Cultural and Civic Space (CCS) construction site to Queensland.
It was going to go to Sawtell but, according to Council’s Heart of Coffs Facebook page, community objection led to an alternative “specialist facility in Queensland” being identified.
There is also a ‘personnel matter’ listed on the agenda and it is expected this will be closed to the public.
For years, the Coffs Coast Advocate has been following the issue closely:
September 2018 – Cheers for decision to fast track Cultural and Civic Space
A DECISION to accelerate plans for the new Cultural and Civic Space was met with cheers and applause from a packed council chambers.
The motion involved accelerating the project by committing $2 million for Schematic Designs and the preparation of a Development Application in 2018/19.
A building contractor is to be appointed early in the process with the understanding they are to keep to an agreed cost.
Mayor Denise Knight spoke passionately in favour of ‘getting on with the job’.
“We need to expedite this. It is our time … our time for culture and art to be in the city centre.”
July 2019 – Cr Paul Amos warns cost blowouts on civic space could be crippling
The warning from Cr Amos came as Coffs Harbour City councillors debated over whether or not to include $700,000 in their upcoming budget for the Northern Beaches Multi Purpose Centre.
“All of our oxygen is getting sucked away by the city centre building and now we are fighting over the scraps,” Cr Paul Amos said.
He warned costs could blow out to as much as $100-million with disastrous consequences for council and ratepayers.
July 2019 – WALK OUT: Council chaos as standoff continues
ONE of the councillors behind the extraordinary walk out at their recent Council meeting makes no apology for his stance but the Office of Local Government has warned they’re closely monitoring the situation.
Cr Keith Rhoades has been highly critical of the proposed Cultural and Civic Space and was one of four councillors to walk out of the recent meeting (and another meeting reconvened the next day in an attempt to resolve the matter).
Accompanied by Councillors John Arkan, Tegan Swan and Paul Amos he walked out of the meeting as it appeared their rescission motion (calling for a halt to the project) would be lost.
August 2019 – Deputy Mayor takes to social media to improve engagement
THE Deputy Mayor created a Facebook group to improve what she believes is inadequate community engagement by Coffs Harbour City Council.
The catalyst was last week‘s decision to progress with the controversial Cultural and Civic Space. She is one of four councillors opposed to progressing with the $76.5 million project in its current form.
December 2019 – Freedom of information search shows project was recommended for $9m
A persistent narrative from those opposed to the Cultural and Civic Space is that it will never attract government funding, largely due to the inclusion of council offices.
But the results of a freedom of information search challenged this view.
Local lawyer Heather McKinnon put in the application for information under what‘s now known as the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act.
April 2020 – ‘How dare he’ warns Mayor as State MP weighs in
Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh wrote to Coffs Harbour City Councillors prior to an April 2019 meeting urging them to halt the Cultural and Civic Space.
The move angered mayor Denise Knight who has consistently voted to progress with the project.
“How dare he – shame on him. We need to create hope and optimism during this pandemic,” Cr Knight said.
November 2020 – Protesters give project the tick prior to sale vote
Protesters in support of the Cultural and Civic Space outnumbered those against it, at the November 26 Coffs Harbour City Council meeting.
An offer of $2,100,000 was on the table and Councillors voted to accept the offer.
Councillors who voted in favour of the sale were Michael Adendorff, Sally Townley, George Cecato and Denise Knight and those against were Keith Rhoades, Tegan Swan, Paul Amos and John Arkan.
Mayor Knight used her casting vote to progress with the sale.
November 2020 – The development application is approved.
“What a wonderful Christmas present,” Mayor Denise Knight said.
“I had every faith in our project team and staff and the vision of this project.
“Thanks to NSW Minister Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and the community for their support.”
She was also keen to thank her fellow Councillors.
March 2021 – Protesters gather prior to rescission motion
Close to 60 protesters – for and against the Cultural and Civic Space (CCS) – gathered in the lead up to the March extraordinary Coffs Harbour City Council meeting.
The special meeting was held to discuss a rescission motion seeking to overturn the decision made the week prior to progress with Lipman Pty Ltd, who have already provided Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for the project.
The rescission motion which would have effectively stalled the project was voted down meaning the original motion – to proceed with the build – was carried forward.
April 2021 – Workers on site at Gordon Street
The Cultural and Civic Space construction site at Gordon St is springing into life.
A Lipman site office was established in the brick building behind the Coffs Central carpark.
It opens onto Riding Lane and the fig tree which will be preserved and play a central role in the design of the new building.
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