Rotunda lease battle

Kim Waters
TWO community services are battling each other for a five-year lease on Portarlington’s historic rotunda.
A district hospital auxiliary op shop wants to move back into its home of 35 years after the completion of upgrade works but faces competition from a push for a tourist information centre and “eco shop” in the rotunda.
The op shop has sought a five-year lease extension from City of Greater Geelong after the renovations.
But Portarlington’s Yvonne Parker said she had written to council proposing the eco shop.
Ms Parker said volunteers would run the shop to provide residents and tourists with tips for being environmentally friendly.
“It would be a bit of a travesty to keep the op shop there,” Ms Parker said.
“The rotunda is right in the centre of town and is a perfect spot for a combined eco shop and tourist information centre.”
Ms Parker said council had yet to respond to her proposal.
The facility would be a first for Victoria, she said.
“The idea started in South Australia but there isn’t a shop in Victoria where you can get all kinds of environmental tips in the one place.
“Tourists and residents could get information from how to make their house more environmentally friendly to how to plant a drought- tolerant garden.”
Portarlington Community As-sociation president John Turner backed the proposal.
He called for “more discussion” before council extended the op shop lease.
“From a community association point of view, before anyone makes any decisions about whether the op shop goes back there the (eco shop) idea should be canvassed to the community to see what they want,” Mr Turner said.
“The idea of an eco shop or tourism hub is a worthwhile discussion and there is a great opportunity here for a real use for the rotunda.”
Bellarine Community Health chief executive John Fendyk said the rotunda site played a “significant” role in funding for the service.
The auxiliary’s lease expires at the end of August next year, Mr Fendyk said.
“We have sought a commitment from the City that we can return when the renovations are completed but have not received an official answer.
“As well, I wrote seeking an additional extension beyond the existing lease period and have not received any confirmation.”