Cost of Cowes centre questioned again

MYSTERY surrounds the amount of money paid to Novate PTY LTD for the design and variation design for the replacement building of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre.

At August’s council meeting, Phillip Island resident and keen council watcher Melissa Dagg asked for some details about the amount paid to Novate, which ultimately did not go ahead with the contract to design the centre as it is taking shape today.

But, during question time at the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting last week, the Mayor Cr Michael Whelan did not address the issue directly.

“Design Services for Cowes Cultural and Community Centre were awarded to Jackson Clements Burrows Pty Ltd for the contract sum of $1,348,360 plus GST.”

Did the shire pay Novate any money for design works, thereby adding to the anticipated cost of the facility, already above $33 million, or not? The question still remains.