One will replace an existing elevator, while the other will be built on the southern side of the building to allow those with mobility difficulties to more easily access reception areas for the council and North East Catchment Management Authority.

The original lift, which provides access from a basement car park, dates to the 1970s and was previously accessible to the public but has now been shut-off for staff security purposes.

The additional elevator will mean those using walkers, motorised scooters and wheelchairs do not have to use a ramp on the Hovell Street side of the offices.

Wodonga Council accessibility committee member Grant Myers, who has used a wheelchair since 2003 when he became a paraplegic after falling from a roof, said the ramp’s gradient did not meet standards and “it’s just hard work” to use.

“If you were a quadriplegic with a manual wheelchair I doubt you would get up,” he said.

Councillor Tim Quilty questioned why the city was spending money on two lifts during debate at Monday night’s meeting before the approval of a contract for the Otis Elevator Company to supply and install them.

Council chief executive Patience Harrington said one lift could not meet all needs and Otis would provide a “quality product” at an “affordable price”.

Mr Myers said: “I’d like to put Cr Quilty in a wheelchair and see how he would cope (with the ramp).”

The new lifts are expected to be operating by mid-2019 with manufacture to take 20 weeks and installation eight weeks.

They will also be more energy efficient than the existing model of elevator.