FORMING a new entity to own and develop Willow Court was the controversial recommendation of management consultant Malcolm MacDonald’s interim report to the Derwent Valley Council last week. Addressing a public gathering of councillors, committee members and the public last Thursday night.
Reconmendations were:
Transferring Willow Court to a new entity at arms-length from the council
The entity could be a trust or company limited by guarantee, with a board of management and a project manager
The entity would not be the same as the council’s former company Derwent Valley Investments
The proposal might need ministerial approval
The entity would need a skills-based board of five to eight paid members including representatives of the council, Willow Court Special Committee and the community, with expertise in finance, grants, project management and heritage issues
That the council’s existing Willow Court funds be transferred to the new entity
That the proceeds of any sale of the Willow Court oval precinct be transferred to the new entity
That the State Government be asked to assist the new entity.
Nick Jarvis
