In a meeting attended by more than 60 members of the public, councillors decided the Mildura Jewel suited their Riverfront Masterplan.

Consultants earlier this month reported the Mildura Jewel was a match with the riverfront plan, and last night council opted to accept the architect’s recommendation – four votes to three – despite Cr Vernon Knight’s motion for a community poll or survey.

Cr Knight, Cr Glenn Milne and Cr Judi Harris opposed the motion, while Cr Nick Cavallo and Cr John Arnold were unable to vote after declaring conflicts of interest.

Cr Max Thorburn said he was in favour of taking the development for a hotel, convention centre and casino to the next stage so he could hear from Premier John Brumby.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Friday’s Sunraysia Daily 28/05/2010.