Did you know that despite efforts to the contrary, plans to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre will now move forward?
Following a decision that enjoys majority support, the centre will cease to operate by November 2023. However, the move has not been without its share of opposition.
The Avalon Preservation Association (APA) expressed concerns about the diminishing services available to the residents of Avalon and its surrounding areas.
Craig Boaden, President of the APA, highlighted that the closure of the customer service centre was part of a broader trend of service reductions that have been impacting the community. Boaden emphasized that not everyone relies on the internet for their transactions and questioned the decision to eliminate a service that served a vital role for many residents.
The recommendation to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre was presented by Council staff, citing that the centre had an average footfall of only 13 people per day.
David Kerr, the Director of Community & Belonging at Northern Beaches Council, outlined that the cost of each visit to the centre was significantly higher compared to other locations, amounting to nearly $90 per visit as opposed to $16 at alternate centres, such as in Dee Why and Mona Vale. The closure is expected to result in an annual cost saving of approximately $270,000 for Council.
Cr Miranda Korzy (Greens) challenged the projected savings, expressing concerns about potential job redundancies and the allocation of the staff to handle incoming phone calls.
She argued that the cost savings might not be as significant as estimated. On the other hand, Cr Sarah Grattan (Manly Ward), pointed out the distribution of services across different Council wards and the relatively low footfall at the Avalon centre.
Ms Grattan underscored that the service will not be cancelled. Instead, it will be moved to a nearby location as there is convenient public transportation available between Avalon and Mona Vale.
She also said there’s a need to make challenging decisions occasionally to achieve cost savings and subsequently channel those funds back into the community. However, she believes that decisions should be made in consultation with the community to identify a more beneficial utilisation of this Council property.
Pittwater Ward Cr Michael Gencher, who was among those advocating for deferral, inserted a rider on the motion that opened the door for exploring alternative uses of the space once the customer service centre is closed. He emphasized the importance of making decisions in the community’s best interests and repurposing the space to cater to other community needs.
The final decision to close the Avalon Customer Service Centre, with the provision to explore alternative community services for the space, was approved by most of the councillors.
Published 24-Aug-2023
