Budget pledge on hall

By Michelle Herbison
A COUNCILLOR has pledged to “get the ball rolling” on a $600,000 upgrade of Indented Head’s community hall.
Cr John Doull said $150,000 for the project was in council’s proposed 2012/2013 budget.
Councillors would discuss the allocation soon, he said.
The project would also need $150,000 from Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management and about $300,000 from State Government.
“Without raising too many expectations, if we can get (the $150,000) through the Geelong budget, hopefully the foreshore committee would do the same,” Cr Doull said.
“That would be only about half the money required to see that first stage completed. Hopefully we can attract interest from State Government.”
The project would include removal of asbestos from the hall’s walls and ceiling.
Cr Doull said he was confident the upgrade was worth prioritising.
“It’s really just a question of everyone else in the budget process agreeing.”
Cr Doull said State Government had previously responded with support when council led the way on funding projects.
“With the Portarlington streetscape works, we put money into our budget as a kick-off. Then we saw in two successive State Government budgets they matched our dollar.”
Indented Head Community Association’s Ingrid Novosel was “ecstatic” with council’s funding.
“It’s now up to Bellarine Bayside to do the right thing by the community and match what council puts in, whether it’s this or next financial year.”
Mr Novosel said the community was “very appreciative” of a $35,000 “mini-upgrade” already underway on the hall’s interior.
“We’re hoping they don’t take their foot off the pedal. The inside looks very good but the outside is still shocking.”
Ms Novosel said the community association wanted a redesign of the hall’s eastern section with the addition of balconies and extra storage space.
Bellarine Bayside’s Vin McKay said the committee would consider allocating funds in its next budget if council committed money.
“Our committee doesn’t have an official position on whether it’s going to spend anything on this in this coming year.
“I’m sure the committee would love to do something but whether it’s a priority or not for this coming budget hasn’t been discussed as yet.”