Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga president Trevor Pearce said yesterday the Department of Education and Training had still not signed off on the project despite government approval on June 22. 

Mr Pearce said the department’s North Eastern Victoria Region suggested two things now held up the project, which had already been delayed for several months by red tape setbacks.

“It still doesn’t have a signed copy of the contract exemption from the Minister (James Merlino) and someone has been off sick who was integral to the process,” he said.

“Four weeks ago we were told it would go ahead; now four weeks later there is no progress.

“It is just a joke!”

The Life Skills House is a joint venture between Belvoir Special School and the Rotary Clubs of Belvoir-Wodonga, Wodonga Central, Wodonga West and Albury-Wodonga Sunrise at no cost to the government.

Mr Pearce said Wodonga Council simply needed a letter of consent from the Department of Education and Training in order to sign off on the project, which could start soon afterwards.

“Though now it’s contingent on tradies who have donated their time,” he said. 

The Department of Education and Training did not respond to The Border Mail’s inquiries before deadline last night.