Pressure is mounting on Wagga City Council to make a “no brainer” decision to contribute to the new Police and Community Youth Club.
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PCYC has called for council to contribute $3 million of the $18 million project, in order to get the “desperately needed” facility across the line.
Former site developer Charles Morton said council should be getting behind a move which was trying to “change the lives of the young community”.
“People of the region need to know which councillors are supporting it and can remember it when the next election comes up,” Mr Morton said.
“There would have to be a good reason if they said no – is there personal agendas we don’t know about and is there councillors who want to see it fall flat on its face?”
Council has yet to reveal a decision, with acting general manager Robert Knight revealing PCYC has held discussions with staff over the past six months.
“Councillors will consider a report on the matter at the June ordinary council meeting,” Mr Knight said.
Councillor Paul Funnell said the price was a small amount to pay for an investment in the lives of the future generation.
“If your child was in trouble you’d move heaven and earth to help them and if this helps those children it’s a no-brainer,” Mr Funnell said.
“Every day retailers say they see youth walking the streets or sleeping somewhere rough and if you could save even just one – it’s worth it.”
Mr Morton said budget constraints shouldn’t weigh into council’s decision.
“I believe council has access to interest free loans and regardless, their needs to be accountability for spending,” Mr Morton said.
“I don’t understand why they wouldn’t unanimously bend over backwards.”
Mr Funnell said he was encouraging councillors to work the funding into the budget.
“We can turn around and say it’s the state government’s responsibility left, right and centre but it comes down to us as leaders and what we are prepared to do,” Mr Funnell said.
PCYC's Riverina regional general manager Brett Somerville said the facility would have economic benefit and give the community “something to be proud of”.
“From an investment perspective we’ve barely even touched on its ability to host major events,” he said.