With three councillors absent on civic duties, councillors voted four to two on Thursday night to approve plans released this week.

The regular monthly meeting was told there had been little activity by means of upgrade for about two decades and the expectations of both the community and City Heart traders deserved some action.

However, Crs Max Thorburn and Fiona Hilton-Wood opposed the recommendation to approve the plans and continue towards the tendering process for the redevelopment.

Cr Thorburn said the redevelopment had been flawed from the outset, while Cr Hilton-Wood wanted the design simplified.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Saturday’s Sunraysia Daily, 31/10/09.