Southern Downs councillors got riled up over a contentious vote on the future of the Stanthorpe Art gallery, with fears the upgrade would come at a $2 million cost to ratepayers. Councillors gathered this morning to vote on a range of options for a revamp to the Weerona Park site, including a minimal $250,000 upgrade, a modest $1.5âmillion grade, the recommended $4âmillion expansion, or a new site costing $12âmillion. A vote to push the $4 million upgrade into the funding submission process was narrowly voted in by Mayor Vic Pennisi and councillors Sheryl Windle, Jo McNally, Marco Gliori and Cameron Gow. Councillors Cynthia McDonald, Andrew Gale, Stephen Tancred and Ross Bartley all opposed the plan.
Tensions run high as SDRC buys into Emu Swamp Dam STEP FORWARD: Mayor Vic Pennisi,Minister for Drought and Water Resources David Littleproud , Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with Brent Finlay, Independent Chair of the Emu Swamp Dam Committee and State MP James Lister at the site of the proposed dam. Picture Kym Smith
News Tessa Fleming
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STANTHORPE residents have been offered “salvation” in Emu Swamp Dam as Southern Downs councillors voted yes in the historic decision buy into the irrigation project this morning.
Emotions ran high in what Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi called it the biggest strategic vote Southern Downs Regional Council had made in 17 years.