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.
All nine SDRC representatives stressed addressing a response to the coronavirus pandemic and water security as their top priorities.
CEO ASSAULTED BY DISGRUNTLED RESIDENT
When Killarney man Peter Lesley Smith pleaded guilty to assaulting former SDRC CEO David Keenan, he claimed six years of ongoing tensions drove him to the act.
Smith became “agitated” during the confrontation, swearing loudly and banging his cane on the door before grabbing the then-CEO Mr Keenan around the neck in a brief struggle.
At the time of the incident, then-mayor Tracy Dobie told the Daily News it was a “very, very rare occurrence” among a community full of “generally incredibly polite and respectful” people.
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
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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.
Lehmann in fitness battle Darren Lehmann should know later today if he will be fit to play for Yorkshire in tomorrow s Championship encounter with Derbyshire at Derby after a scan on his stiff back. The Australian has been restricted in his movements over the past few days and was rested from Sunday s game against Somerset. Director of cricket, David Byas, said: We don t think that Darren has got a serious problem but because it has gone on for some time now it was felt it would be wise for him to have a scan. The stiffness in Lehmann s back may be the result of the extensive travel he has done over the past few months. Since arriving at Headingley just before the start of the season, he has travelled to Zimbabwe as well as returning home for Australia s two Test matches against Sri Lanka.