Cr Whipper will put forward a notice of motion to council next Wednesday to accept Mr Onisforou’s offer to fund the survey on whether Wingecarribee residents would support the construction of the centre at the proposed $16.1 million cost.

Mr Onisforou has made the offer on the condition if 60 per cent of residents don’t want the leisure centre, Wingecarribee Shire would defer the project until after the September 2008 elections.

Cr Whipper has opposed the construction of the centre, claiming the current budget for the project is too hefty.

“The blowout of the costs has made me question whether the broader community values a leisure centre so highly at this present moment,” Cr Whipper said.

“But I think Theo’s offer of a survey would give us a way to put a finger on the pulse of the community regarding this issue.”

Cr Whipper said his opposition to the proposal was based on the prospect of the sale of community land or a loan to fund the project.

“The idea of a leisure centre has been around for four or five years. I’ve talked to different people about the centre, both who are in support and opposition of it,” he said

“But I’m consistently hearing from both sides as how large a priority the centre is, given the best and worst case scenarios in terms of cost.”

Cr Whipper said he was unaware as to how extensive Mr Onisforou’s survey would be, but would discuss it with him in coming weeks.

“If it was commercially viable, it wouldn’t take too much out of the council’s treasury and if there’s enough genuine interest, I would support the construction of the centre.

“But what I am concerned about is if the council enters into a loan or the funds come out of the sale of community land.”