At the November Council meeting a late report by the General Manager concerning 25 Iris Street Murrumburrah was tabled. Prior to the meeting councillors had met at the residence in question to help them to get a better understanding of the condition of the property.
The property which is recognised by the National Trust as a place of historic significance and has played an important role in the history of Murrumburrah, has been empty since a previous council had helped to purchase another house to relocate the owner of the property because of problems with flooding in that area. Since the major reconstruction of Albury Street has taken place the residence was affected by stormwater overflow.
At a council meeting last year with the previous councillors a decision was made to demolish the residence at a cost of around $30,000.
Following community pressure the Mayor of the current council Chris Manchester became committed to readdressing the issue and thus halting its demolition.
A member of the public, Geraldine Dwyer who has a proven track record of house restoration had approached council with the offer to buy the building, to renovate it and then give it back to the shire for community usage.
Councillors were presented with five options at the November Council meeting, being to either: demolish the property, retain and undertake no restoration, retain and undertake substantive renovation works, make the property available for sale or delay the decision pending a whole of catchment stormwater assessment which is due to be completed by February 2009.
Councillor Flanery made his feeling on the property known and stated, “I don’t believe it has any value to the Harden Shire, it’s a hazard and the only mistake that has been made was that it wasn’t demolished earlier.” Councillor Flanery further added, “I believe it is in the ratepayer’s interests to knock it down, ratepayer’s money could be better spent elsewhere.”
Councillor Madden said he agreed with Councillor Flanery’s comments in that considerable money has already been spent on the property and money could be better spent elsewhere.
Councillor O’Connor then chimed in and said he agreed with Councillors Flanery and Madden on the matter.
Councillor Collins said that maybe council could wait for the stormwater assessment and at least come up with a dollar figure for what it would take to remedy the stormwater overflow problem, he also pointed out a line in the late report that said “the stormwater findings may indeed unearth a simple solution to the flooding problems” and felt that this was at least worth considering.
Councillor Reid was concerned on the liability and insurance costs associated with the building.
When it came to move on the recommendation which was to defer a decision regarding the future of Number 25 Iris Street until February pending the completion of the stormwater assessment, Councillors Collins, Reid and Campbell were outvoted by Councillors Flanery, Madden and O’Connor and a deciding vote by the Mayor Chris Manchester against the recommendation. Manchester, Flanery, Madden and O’Connor then moved the motion to demolish the property.
At the conclusion of the meeting Geraldine Dwyer made her thoughts known and stood up and said, “We’ll see you at the Land and Environment Court” before leaving the public gallery. Soon after another member of the gallery Phil Webster got up and said “ I am glad you think its funny councillors” and then pointed a finger at the Director of Technical Services, Simon Miller and said “and you Miller, your not even a Councillor” before also leaving the gallery.
The building has stood for around 180 years and is an important part of the Historic Village streetscape of Murrumburrah.
Most of the new Councillors were voted in on a promise of community consultation and promoting tourism, many members of the community have expressed their opinions that Council has gone against their promises and turned their back on history with a “quick fix”.
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