Council crumbles

By MaraPattison-Sowden
STAFF at Yarra Ranges Council are working in such “deplorable” conditions that councillors have approved a $5.6 million increase to fund the redevelopment of the Lilydale council offices.
While some ratepayers are arguing about council spending money to build themselves a “castle”, councillors say staff are working in “sardine conditions” and “portables that are like dog kennels”.
Councillors at last Tuesday’s 10 May meeting approved the spending of $3.28 million to increase floorspace, and $2.3 million to give the buildings a “green star” rating to reduce council’s carbon footprint.
The total cost would be an estimated $16 million, increased from a 2008 assessment of $10 million, which councillors say is far below the original projection of $30 million.
Councillors also argued that Lilydale Library, located within the council building, should not be closed during renovations and wanted other options for keeping the service open during the two-year building project.
Councillor Tim Heenan said there was “enormous overcrowding” in the buildings and poor working conditions that council had to address.
“I’ve been in and out of these buildings for the last 20 years and been gob-smacked to see staff living in sardine conditions,” he said.
Cr Graham Warren said although the recommendation to increase the budget was “somewhat controversial”, the council needed to be able to attract and retain the right staff.
“This is a way we can show staff how much they mean, this improves productivity and helps retain staff, and it will be a showpiece for our shire instead of what it is now.”
Cr Samantha Dunn said the green star rating didn’t just help the environmental costs but said it would be a significant economic benefit that would flow through to ratepayers.
The Mail was allowed a look behind the public façade in the Anderson Street complex last week to come across 50-year-old buildings that have significant occupational health and safety issues.
For an organisation with a median staff age of 49 years, there are no lifts in the buildings, termite damage was discovered after a staff member put his foot through the floor several weeks ago, floors are uneven to walk on as the foundations are moving and the ancient air conditioning and heating systems break down when they are needed most.
Yarra Ranges Council Capital Works Manager Jane Sinnamon said the buildings had to accommodate many staff in different areas, which brought safety and storage issues.
“The building hasn’t been built for the services we deliver now, and although we’ve made band-aid adaptations our ability to service the community is impacted by its standards,” she said.
“Since the $10 million budget was assessed in 2008/09 the staff has grown another 10 per cent.
“We need to acknowledge the building has significant works that need to happen sooner rather than later.”
Last March, Cr Len Cox said the investment was modest would pay for itself through reduced rental and travel costs, wiping a $450,000 maintenance backlog, and energy savings of up to $16,000 a year.
He said the overhaul would also provide new meeting spaces for the community and better customer service.
The Anderson Street office was built in the 1960s and has grown to include six portable buildings to try to accommodate staff. Some also located in offices on other sites.