War of words

THE wagons circled yesterday as representatives from various groups in the city took a final moment to gather their thoughts before heading in to battle.The poker machine aspect of the South Wagga Sports and Bowling Club redevelopment debate came to a head when Wagga City Council hosted a workshop on the club's application to the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) for a further 284 gaming machines.With doors to the council chambers closed during each submission, the area outside the city war room hummed with concern, as those waiting their turn talked over submissions with their counterparts.The crowd was an assortment of associated interests, with board members and managers of Wagga RSL and the Rules Clubs, problem gambling counsellors, hotel licensees, representatives of the Australian Hoteliers Association and the man behind the matter, developer Charles Morton and his associates, making up the mix.Representatives from each of the 11 organisations that addressed councillors had just five minutes to get their points across before they were stopped for another five minute period, to allow for questioning. No other parties were in the room during each submission.The debate heated up even before the presentations began, when Mr Morton had words with council's director of corporate services, Andrew Crakanthorp about the workshop's structure."I made a statement to council that I think I'm being denied procedural fairness by not being present (for submissions) and having the right of reply," Mr Morton, who was the sixth of the 11 speakers, said."I'd like to speak last and listen (what is being said). There's a sense out there that the hospitality group (Wagga Hospitality Group) gets to own the club, and there's nothing further from the truth. Legislation prohibits this."Once the presentations were over, councillors put their heads together to consider the issues raised during the afternoon.An extraordinary meeting of council will be held tonight to consider a a report compiled from yesterday's workshop.