Weekend away for councillors

OUT with the old and in with the new.
That was the result of a planning weekend in the Yarra Valley after Greater Dandenong councillors discussed the future of the city’s libraries and council offices.
Greater Dandenong chief executive Carl Wulff this week said the weekend away allowed councillors the chance to initiate plans to build a single council office and redevelop the Springvale and Dandenong-based libraries.
Mayor Peter Brown said both libraries were more than 30 years old, and could no longer service the demand placed upon them.
“We realise that a single office building would benefit not only staff, but all residents, ratepayers and developers who have to deal with council,” he said.
“A new office building in central Dandenong is also consistent with council and the State Government’s vision to act as a catalyst for significant new development in the CBD.”
Mr Wulff said the dual offices were costing more for council to operate than a single office.
Cr Brown said there were no specific plans yet for the works, and ‘no firm decisions’ had been made.
But he said council would now seek public comment and allow for input into redeveloping the libraries and constructing a single council office.