Cr Max Thorburn yesterday forecast a major blowout in spending and more than a year in delays in finishing the project.

But Cr Judi Harris, the portfolio councillor in charge of the $8.7 million project, said she believed her colleague’s comments were ill considered.

“I would be shocked and very surprised to find any truth in what he’s saying.”

Cr Thorburn said the arts centre would eventually cost $11 to $12 million and rather than being completed at the end of next year, it would be “lucky” to be 2012.

He suggested the arts centre should not be demolished and rebuilt but renovated instead.

“If we are running over budget, I’d like to know about it,” Cr Harris replied.

Mayor Glenn Milne also called on Cr Thorburn to fall into line with the rest of council on the project.

“A decision has been made, the umpire has made his decision now it is up to all the councillors, including Cr Thorburn, to take responsibility for the project,” Cr Milne said.

Cr Milne said Cr Thorburn and the other councillors had to make sure the project stayed within budget.

“The contracts haven’t even been let yet, so we don’t know any of this.

“It’s far too early to say any of it.”

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Wednesday’s Sunraysia Daily 08/09/2010.