Last week , it was revealed the site of the old GS Kidd Memorial School, which moved to a new location early last year, would be sent to auction, despite Gunnedah Shire Council lobbying for it to be handed over for a community use.
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A public meeting was also held last year over the site’s future, convened by the Department of Education, where Sunnyfield Disability Services and the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music both expressed an interest in the facility.
But last week a meeting of council was told the department had advised Sunnyfield would have to “submit an offer at an auction” along with other interested bidders.
Councillors were critical of the time it had taken the department of education to resolve the issue, with Sunnyfield representatives complaining in November of last year about the time it was taking the department to get back to them about their offer.
However, Mr Anderson told The Leader the directive to auction the asset had come from the NSW Department of Finance and Services.
“I’m extremely disappointed with this decision after the good work we’ve done. Progress was being made between the department (of education) and Sunnyfield. The community was happy and this is still a community facility in my view,” he said.
Considerable community-raised funds went into the first GS Kidd Memorial School and many believe that entitles the community to a say in the site’s future.
Mr Anderson said he had spoken to the department of finance about the matter and would continue to make representations on the community’s behalf.