The current building has a number of structural problems, most notably rising damp.

After 50 years of use it has also reached its limits in terms of being functional for the workforce necessary to run the shire and provide services to the district for today’s needs, and will not be adequate into the future.

The current office accommodation does not meet with expected standards, particularly with the number of staff sharing offices, etc.

Shire manager of finance and corporate services Leanne Parola said, “With the creation of two new trainee positions, and a project officer position, the need for suitable office space has become more pressing and the construction of a new building is not likely to occur in the next five to seven years.”

“The shire has recently called tenders for a transportable building to be located next to the administration centre to house the council chambers which will allow the current chambers to be converted into office space for seven staff.”

The building chosen is a large, open meeting building with extensive glass frontage that will face the rose garden, new family sculpture and Federation Park across the road, making a much more useful, attractive and inviting building than the current chambers.

Internal walls have been constructed in the former council chambers and furniture has been ordered.

Works have been undertaken to improve the rising damp situation by circulating air under the floorboards, and the exterior of the building has been patched and painted.

“It is hoped that these measures will provide another five to 10 years of useful life into the building while plans and savings for a new centre continue,” Mrs Parola said.