Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery says he is prepared for a fiery debate and a barrage of opposing ideas when councillors decide on the future of Gleniffer Brae on Tuesday.
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Cr Bradbery has lodged a rescission motion to have the council's December 10 decision to reject a land rezoning proposal for the historic precinct overturned.
The rezoning would have paved the way for the University of Wollongong to forge ahead with its $30 million plans to lease the manor house and turn it into a function centre, and buy an adjoining block of land, demolish the old school buildings and build a creative arts hub.
The rescission motion is one of 18 items on the agenda for the council meeting but is expected to dominate the discussion.
If it is approved, councillors will need to immediately consider their next step in setting out the site's future.
Cr Bradbery acknowledged the varying opinions in the community, saying he expected several councillors to put forward different options outlining how the matter should proceed.
"I will be putting forward the same motion that was put before the council in December that backs the UOW proposal," he said.
Liberal councillors Michelle Blicavs, Leigh Colacino and Bede Crasnich, along with Labor councillor David Brown and the Lord Mayor, backed the UOW proposal at the December 10 meeting. That led to a narrow loss of 6 votes to 5, with Cr John Dorahy absent due to illness.
Cr Dorahy said on Tuesday that he had voiced his support for the rescission motion because he believed the December 10 decision was wrong. But he did not think the university proposal in its current form was right for the site.
"We need to get back to the table to talk with all the stakeholders to keep Gleniffer Brae operating as a sound heritage item," he said.
It was "highly likely" he would put forward his own motion on how the council should proceed, he said.
Labor councillor Ann Martin and independent councillor Vicki Curran also said they would be likely to lodge motions outlining options.
A UOW spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the university would not be commenting on the rescission motion or what its outcome could mean for the organisation's proposal.
