At the last meeting – its first – there was debate about whether the new “youth hub” proposed by Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks should be for all youth or primarily for “troubled youth”.

One young member said that if it was just for troubled youth, others wouldn’t go.

In a TV report, Cr Sparks said that the old shire council building was needed as a youth centre because of social problems in the town.

“Problems with kids committing suicide. We have domestic violence rates - we were third in the state,” Cr Sparks said.

She added: “We wanted the kids to have links to mental health services.”

There is also division on the committee over whether it should be called a cultural centre. The council is applying for a substantial grant from NSW funds for cultural projects, but if the “youth hub” isn’t a cultural centre, would it get the money?

The committee which advises council was also to discuss media policy – who is allowed to talk to the press. It emerged after the first meeting that there were different views within the committee on many aspects and it’s not clear if this has prompted the discussion in an attempt to get a unified voice.