While the expression of interest application stated that commercial rates will be charged for the lease, once again the council has changed its mind but not let community groups know. The lease has been awarded and the group claims as a not-for-profit group they can not afford the commercial rates, so Council appears to have arranged a special deal. I am aware of three not-for-profit groups who discussed putting in an expression of interest, but the commercial rates were too much for them too, and they did not wish to pass increases on to other groups. Now that council is willing to negotiate with one not-for-profit group, and have a less than commercial rate, should they not allow all Not for Profit groups put forward an EOI on the same basis, or is there another agenda? As the lease will not be taken until 1 July 2021 there is time for others to put forward their case and to also be considered.

Consideration of others, common decency and fairness do not appear to be hallmarks of this Council. And while the claim of transparency is noted as being important, this really is lacking from our council - both councillors and staff. Please let the various community groups put forward their EOI so our community centre remains in community hands. What a Christmas gift that would be.

Alan Russell, Manager, Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels

... They contribute to wellbeing, resilience and social cohesion. Volunteer groups have exactly what they need at the Batemans Bay Community Centre.

It is fit for purpose, affordable, has easy access and they own it!

A majority vote to evict volunteer community groups from the community centre to facilities that are not like for like, unsuitable for people with disabilities and not fit for purpose is a betrayal and contradicts Council's own Bushfire Recovery Plan that recommends Council "assist the community to restore confidence and strengthen resilience."

Moreover evicting volunteer community groups contradicts the NSW State Recovery Plan that recommends "supporting self-help and strengthening resources, capacity and resilience already present within individuals and the community" as necessary for recovery.

Our community deserves better. We want council to value and respect community engagement and understand the value of publicly owned assets.

The Eurobodalla Labor Local Government Committee does not support Council's decision to lease the Batemans Bay Community Centre. We support Cr Anthony Mayne's Rescission Motion at the Extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday, December 17.

Maureen Searson, president Eurobodalla Local Government Committee, Australian Labor Party

Eurobodalla Coast Alliance has asked me to advise that it strongly supports the proposed rescission motion put forward to postpone any withdrawal of the Batemans Bay Community Centre from the existing users and the broader Eurobodalla community.

As well as providing an important facility for regular use by a number of community groups the Centre has also been an extremely useful venue to assist community involvement in Council and State Government activities, including local Members of Parliament.

ECA believes this role should continue and is opposed to its alienation from the broader community as appears to be planned.

We trust you will all endorse the proposed rescission motion and preserve this important community asset for all to use.

Russell Schneider AM, President Eurobodalla Coast Alliance Inc.

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