Diplomatic freeze

By Kath Gannaway
THE massive former car museum in Marysville is empty while local businesses compete against icy winds to keep customers in a “temporary” marquee in the main street.
It’s the face of bureauracy which saw former Marysville and Triangle District Group president Doug Walter stand down from the top position at the group’s annual general meeting on Saturday and which has new leader Graeme Brown walking a diplomatic fine line in dealings with the politicians holding the purse strings.
MATDG wants the State Government and the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority (VBRRA) to buy the building for $1.2million to set up a supermarket and other retail spaces to get the town on its feet again.
As shops are rebuilt and traders move back into the mainstream, the building which is adjacent to the caravan park, would revert to the community for use as a community centre.
“It’s a no-brainer” has become the local catchcry when the project is mentioned for many in the town who say the government has dragged its feet too long on a project which has massive community support, pledges of additional financial support from the Rotary Club and from a major construction company willing to donate their services for roadworks and car parking.
Mr Walter told the Mail the proposal was first put to the government early in March.
“It’s three months later and we still don’t have a straight answer. There are no impediments to this other than with will on the part of the government and VBRRA to do it.”
“We have traders champing at the bit to get in here and the owner champing at the bit to sell it … it’s a no-brainer,” he said.
Mr Brown says he shares Mr Walter’s frustration.
“Absolutely I do,” he told the Mail after taking over the reins.
“We have all been working so hard to see this happen. It is vital to restore our economy and this funding is the first step towards us being able to get it up and running,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s been on the radar for some time and it’s just down to what they are prepared to make available.”
Mr Brown said the most recent meeting, with Premier John Brumby and John Landy, head of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel, was two weeks ago.
“Mr Brumby gave us an undertaking he would get back by this Thursday,” he said.
Government valuers were at the property on Saturday in what is seen as a positive move, but Mr Brown said it’s not all about the fiscal bottom line.
“It’s very much in the context of what it is worth to the community,” he said.
Mr Brown said people had every reason to feel dissatisfied with the processes but pointed to the unique situation governments and organisations like VBRRA were dealing with.
“Governments work at a much slower pace than the corporate world, or communities but it’s not about how fast or slow, it’s about getting efficient processes in place, involving the community in that process and at the same time maintaining an excellent working relationship with all levels of government.
“Some of the processes have to be reviewed,” he said.