Doug Curran, who is vying for the position of mayor, said it was important for council to consult with community members about projects.

“Neighbourhood house provides an essential service to Griffith and it needs support,” Councillor Curran said.

However, he said there was no way council could fund a $4 million project on its own. “There’s no way known council can fund that so a lot of it will come down to the relationships we have with state and federal members.

“At the end of the day it’s ratepayer’s money so we need ratepayers on board and supporting it as well.”

Cr Mike Neville said he believed Olympic Park was the ideal location for a neighbourhood house.

He said he had met with neighbouhood house representatives six years ago to review the draft plan for the new facility.

Cr Neville said he advised the representatives to look at other appropriate sites.

“At the end of the day it’s a matter of whether the community wants to fund it.”

Mayoral candidate Paul Snaidero said he was “gobsmacked” by the state of the neighbourhood house.

“It’s just like a third world down there,” Mr Snaidero said.

Mr Snaidero said council needed to plan for the influx of people who will move to Griffith in the immediate future.

He said council needed to devise a masterplan and then seek funding for essential services, including neighbourhood house, in the city.