CHRISTMAS decorations, concrete cracks at Logic and concerns about Mann Central have been tackled by Wodonga council chiefs.
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The issues were put to mayor Anna Speedie and chief executive Patience Harrington at a meeting of the Wodonga Ratepayers’ Association on Wednesday night.
Resident Sue Deegan hit the lack of yuletide features in central Wodonga, saying "you're offering nothing – no lights, no trees" and calling the Christmas tree in Junction Square "dull".
Ms Harrington defended the tree, noting 300 to 400 people attended its lighting.
Mrs Deegan's husband Ian, who is president of the association, suggested the council could ask for $100 from High Street traders to have Christmas banners placed on poles outside their shops with logos featured.
Cr Speedie acknowledged the validity of the proposal, but she and Ms Harrington made no commitment to further decorations in the CBD.
Mr Deegan raised his fears about concrete cracking in the parking area of the truck fatigue centre at the Logic industrial estate.
Ms Harrington said the work had a seven-year warranty and two engineers, commissioned by the contractor and the city, inspected it and "were very comfortable with how it is".
She was unwilling to commit to the engineers’ reports being made available to the ratepayers’ group.
Asked about rumours that Kmart had withdrawn from the Mann Central development, Ms Harrington was adamant the department store remained committed to the shopping centre which has been stalled.
"Coles and Kmart are coming," Ms Harrington said.
She later added the delay "frustrates the life out of us as well, but it will happen".
Cr Speedie said if the project collapsed, the council would not be liable for any costs.
After Mr Deegan pointed out the shopping centre developer was reportedly offering rent-free deals for up to eight months, Cr Speedie said "that's a normal standard practice" based on her experience in the property industry.
