Plaque controversy

By Jade Lawton
A PLAQUE acknowledging Cardinia Shire Council’s contribution to Pakenham’s new library, hall and U3A complex was controversially approved by council last week.
Central Ward Councillor Collin Ross put forward a Notice of Motion at last Monday’s council meeting that the current councillors be acknowledged on a plaque for the opening ceremony of the building.
But the plaque, which was voted in 4-3, could be missing the name of Cr Bill Pearson, who asked to be excluded from the list.
“I think this is a unique situation. When we first came on to council, the land for Woolworth’s hadn’t yet been sold. We did a wonderful deal there; money flowed forward for the new hall. The design committee had five councillors on it. Also, it’s a unique development that (this) council will see through from the very beginning to the end,” Cr Ross said.
Cr Brett Owen seconded the motion ‘for the purpose of discussion’, but said he would be voting against the idea.
“I think there have been a number of (council) buildings built, and nothing like this has occurred,” he said.
Cr George Blenkhorn said he supported the proposal on the basis that the council had contributed $4.2 million to the project – far more than the Federal and State governments.
“The community should be made aware of where their money is going,” he said.
After the vote – which saw Cr Legge, Cr Pearson and Cr Owen overruled – Cr Pearson asked that his name be kept off the plaque.
“Please exclude my name, I think I have that right,” he said.
Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association president Gloria O’Connor said many people would disapprove of the decision.
“I don’t think they have councillors’ names on many projects – would they go about putting a plaque on every project in the district?
“Particularly this one, it’s been handled so badly from the beginning, very badly handled as far as how it was communicated and the way it was done.”
Mrs O’Connor said any plaque should recognise the community’s contribution to the old Pakenham Hall building. She also expressed surprise that Cr Pearson would request his name be withheld.
“(Council CEO) Garry McQuillan and Bill Pearson were the two people that went up to Canberra to lobby for that, as he was mayor at the time,” she said.
“So what sort of plaque would you get – one with only half the councillors’ names on it? It really is something they should review.”