SWAN Hill Rural City Council has rejected a proposal for an advisory committee that would allow greater community input into the Pioneer Settlement.
Instead, people with an interest in the tourist attraction’s operations and future development are being encouraged to join the Friends of the Pioneer Settlement (FOPS) group.
Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Roger Day said on Thursday the council’s decision was disappointing, but it was “not the end of the story” and the association would revisit it in the future.
Development and planning director Heather Green told the September meeting the council already had an advisory committee providing advice and suggestions for improvements.
“It’s called the Friends of the Pioneer Settlement group,” she said.
“That’s been in existence for a very long time (since 1965, with) 50 active members who turn up weekly or fortnightly to volunteer and help run the Pioneer Settlement and do so very competently and passionately.”
Ms Green said the council could not afford to pay staff to do the work of the volunteers, who contributed more than 200 hours a week.
After considering five options, Ms Green recommended the council hold broader public engagement – such as through workshops once or twice a year – but not set up an advisory committee, and encourage interested people to join FOPS.
Cr Nicole McKay, backed by Cr Chris Jeffrey, moved that the council implement those options, but they were outvoted by Cr Stuart King, Cr Anne Young and Acting Mayor Cr Bill Moar. Mayor Cr Jade Benham is on extended leave to contest the November 26 state election and Cr Les McPhee was absent.
A second motion, that operation and consultation for Pioneer Settlement remain “as is”, was carried.
Speaking in favour, Cr King said it would be both unprecedented and unworkable to have two separate groups providing input to the council.
He highlighted the circumstances that led to the council taking over management of the settlement at the request of the original management committee in 1992, after it had racked up debts of more than $520,000.
“It was a financial basket case,” he said.
“There’s no need to incur an additional line of consultation every six or 12 months just to satisfy a minority of people.”
Mr Day said the advisory committee would not represent a minority.
The plan was to have representatives from the association, Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical Society, the Mallee Steam, Oil & Machinery Club, Speewa Heritage and Restoration Group, and the Swan Hill Vintage Car Club, as well as FOPS and a councillor, attend each meeting.
Mr Day said some of those groups had 150 members, compared to the 50 members of FOPS.
“There’s a pool of volunteers there that are untapped to some degree,” he said.
“We would have greater input from the community, a greater workforce if needed, and independence from the management of the Pioneer Settlement.”
Mr Day said the council decision – and the fact that it was made by just three of the seven councillors – was discussed at the association’s October meeting.
“It’s pretty sad that they won’t listen to anyone else,” he said.
“A few of our members are going to join Friends of the Pioneer Settlement, but I do wonder how independent it really is.”
