A war of words erupted during a closed City of Parramatta Council session on Monday night, after a motion was passed allowing the State Government to lease a prime CBD retail space for just $1.
The space, located at Parramatta Square, is set to be turned into a community and information centre for the Parramatta Powerhouse Museum.
Parra News understands the report was a late item during the closed council session on Monday evening.
A heated debate occurred before the chamber went to vote which was split 7-7, resulting in the casting vote of the Lord Mayor passing the motion.
Independent Councillor Lorraine Wearne believes the public should have the right to know about the deal.
“The report that was presented to the council was grossly deficient in detail,” she said.
“The information was not sufficient for me to vote to give this asset over to the State Government for $1 peppercorn rent.”
Liberal Councillor Steven Issa said those who voted against were “playing politics”.
“It’s a disgusting display of politics by the ALP,” he said.
“What they are doing is complaining about a license for six months on a premises that we’ve failed to lease twice now; an empty shell of a building.
“The government is coming and saying give it to us for six months, we’ll pay for the layout and for the privilege we will promote the city and the powerhouse.
“For anyone to suggest that’s the wrong thing is absolutely disgusting and their motives are wrong; they are politically motivated.
“It’s not in the best interest of Parramatta, western Sydney and arts in the west.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.