Media response - Proposed Glen Waverley project
Published on 14 July 2023
Approach from Herald Sun
Following up on the story about council's Reimaging Glen Waverley Civic Precinct
We were passed on a letter from a resident from the council ceo about the project and the resident was concerned about the $110m price tag for the project and questioned if that was the best way for that money to be spent (on the new library and community area and room for council staff).
- I have the info from Andi Diamond in the letter explaining the decision and where the funding is coming from but wanted to ask if council wished to comment further on why it was proposing to allocate so much money to this project?
- Also the fact that the council has had to spend $400,000 in rent each year for staff to use the nearby Ibis building for employees- how does the council justify this cost?
- Could it not have sought to relocate staff into other existing council buildings during this time?
Response
Monash Council is asking our community for feedback on our proposal to build a new Glen Waverley library and community hub on the existing Glen Waverley library site.
The project also includes some additional office space for Council’s Glen Waverley-based employees who do not fit into the existing Civic Centre. For more than 15 years, Council has had to rent space in the adjacent Ibis building for these employees as we do not have any additional office space.
This is a major project for Monash. It is proposed to be entirely funded from funds which Council will receive from the State Government for its compulsory acquisition of Council land for the Suburban Rail Loop and from the sale of part of the Central Car Park. This means it won’t impact how much Monash residents pay in rates.
With a project cost estimated of more than $110M, this would be the biggest Monash Council project ever and it’s vital that Council gets this right. So, we’re inviting community feedback on the proposed design and funding model.
Our community can provide feedback on the proposed project at Shape Monash before 23 August.
Issued: 13 July 2023
To: Herald Sun
Quoting: CEO Dr Andi Diamond