War of words between PICAL and shire

TENSION between the Bass Coast Shire and Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) appeared to have come to a head at last week’s council meeting.

A motion was put forward by Cr Brett Tessari during ‘Urgent Business’, with the motion stating that council write to PICAL to express ‘its disappointment that the mayor, councillors or council representatives were not invited to the official opening of the new PICAL building’.

The motion also urged for the letter to highlight that council had contributed significant funds towards PICAL’s new building; $800K for the land, $1.951M for construction and almost $240K for the Community Garden relocation.

During the meeting, Cr Tessari spoke of his incredible disappointment regarding posts that were made on social media in relation to the matter, which he said contained false information.

“I find it disgusting that the mayor was not invited,” he said.

“Council worked tirelessly to deliver this project for the community group.

“I was so proud when we got to go through the building, and I thought the he said, she said, throughout the project was past.”

Cr David Rooks and Deputy Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, also expressed their disappointment at the situation.

The motion was ultimately carried.

PICAL stated it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter, until they receive the suggested Letter from the Council.

Background

In 2019, Council purchased a vacant block of land that forms part of what is locally known as the ‘Old Warley Hospital’ site at 16 Warley Avenue in Cowes, which has now become the new home for PICAL.

PICAL’s original location was on Church Street in Cowes, which was acquired to build the new Phillip Island Community Hospital.

However, throughout the process, PICAL had raised concerns about when they would finally be relocated and the uncertainty of timelines.