ORANGE City Council has hit back at claims it knew Centrelink was going to open in its troubled Five Ways location before the government department opened its doors last year.
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In a letter published in the Central Western Daily on Saturday, department of human services general manager Hank Jorgen refuted council’s claims it was unaware Centrelink would move into the building.
“Orange City Council was fully aware of the plans - it was clearly informed by the developer that Centrelink would be the tenant through the formal development application process,” he said.
“At no time did council raise any specific traffic issues and all parking obligations were met.
“So the concerns being raised now are new - but we are treating them seriously and are committed to working with council to find sensible solutions.”
But at Monday’s sustainable development committee meeting councillors criticised the department and agreed to write a letter to minister Kim Carr saying the location was unsuitable for Centrelink and for Medicare, which is expected to relocate by 2014.
“Putting out to the public that we were aware [Centrelink was the tenant] is not right,” Cr Glenn Taylor said.
“If we had known not one of these councillors would have supported it.”
With the Medicare move now on hold, deputy mayor Jeff Whitton said the only way safety issues at the site could be resolved was if Centrelink moved.
“There are probably more suitable locations in the city,” he said.
“I believe [the department] will consider council’s concerns about that location if we highlight it’s a safety issue on a couple of points.”
Cr Fiona Rossiter said the public was blaming council for parking and traffic issues at the site.
Mayor John Davis said the site was dangerous for pedestrians.
“A lot of people get there by foot,” he said.
“It’s not just about parking it’s about the unsuitability of the site.”
Acting development services director Mark Hodges said council had told Centrelink to delay plans to build secure parking for staff in the on-site car park until the future of the offices was decided.
clare.colley@ruralpress.com