The meeting was called to address a rescission motion lodged following last week's ordinary meeting at which it was resolved to enter into negotiations with a preferred tenderer with a view to award a contract for the conversion.

The rescission motion was lost, with seven of the eight councillors present voting against the motion.

"This reinforces council's decision of last week to progress this significant project," mayor David West said

"We will now enter into discussions with the preferred tenderer and move forward to be able to provide a positive impact on our local economy through this trying time."

The tender which has been accepted will see the project completed under the original budget of $20 million, placing council in a more favourable budget condition than originally forecast.

Cr West said that COVID-19 would be a factor in the discussions with the contractor, however it was not an excuse to stop planning for the future of the council and the community.

"This is an important project and will deliver more effective and efficient services and we are committed to delivering this for our community."

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Cr West also indicated council was watching the COVID-19 space closely and was ready to provide any assistance requested from the State government.

"At this point in time there has been no request for any space or council facility to be provided for a clinic for COVID patients.

"A clinic has been established at Manning Hospital."

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