There is considerable dissatisfaction locally about the treatment of Argo: the fact that it is out of the water at all. I'd have to hunt for greater detail.
Roderick
Renmark Paringa Council won't paint Argo Barge, despite new volunteer owner's pleas
ABC Riverland Tuesday 4 August 2020
A salvaged barge sits as a static display on a patch of dirt outside a museum. It's very big
Renmark Paringa Council documents from 2019 show that elected members agreed to spend $13,000 on the Argo Barge for repairs, painting and sundries.(ABC Riverland: Samantha Dawes)
The Renmark Paringa Council is refusing to repaint a historic river vessel retrieved from the River Murray in April this year, forcing a small volunteer group to foot the bill.
Key points:
New Argo Barge owners say Renmark Paringa Council agreed to paint the vessel
But Council Chief Executive Tony Siviour says Council is not responsible for painting the barge
Documents from 2019 stipulate the council would "present the Barge to the satisfaction of Olivewood"
The Argo Barge, which was previously owned by the council, was one of the largest vessels to traverse the River Murray, but has been docked at a volunteer-run history museum.
It was moved to Olivewood Historic Homestead where some major repair works to the vessel have recently concluded.
However, Olivewood Chairperson, Ann Ryan, said the Barge needed more work, including touch-ups to old, peeling paint.
It is work Ms Ryan said council had previously agreed to carry out.
A weathered-looking barge with a rusty and peeling red hull.
Olivewood Historic Homestead Chairperson Ann Ryan said Renmark Paringa Council had agreed to paint the barge, something Council Chief Executive Tony Siviour disputes.(ABC Riverland: Samantha Dawes)
"I believe they'll be true to their word. It's in all their paperwork that they had to paint it," Ms Ryan said.
"We have sent them a letter on behalf of the [Olivewood] committee and hopefully [council] fulfil that commitment."
Old documents confirm council's paint promise now sunk
Council meeting agenda and minutes dating back to 2019 show that Renmark Paringa Council-elected members decided that "the final placement [of the Barge] at Olivewood is subject to the development of an agreement between Olivewood and
the Renmark Paringa Council".
That agreement "details the responsibility of council to locate and present the Argo to the satisfaction of council and Olivewood."
A loose wooden beam on an old barge.
Works on the Argo Barge have wrapped up but repairs did not include painting the vessel.(ABC Riverland: Samantha Dawes)
Contrary to the documents and previous discussions with Ms Ryan, council chief executive Tony Siviour denied council should undertake this work, despite footing the bill for other repairs.
When asked by the ABC whether council had a responsibility to paint the Barge, he replied "no".
Mr Siviour also mentioned that a contract recently signed by himself and Ms Ryan did not contain an agreement that council would paint the barge.
"If you look at the deed of transfer, it's very clear that council won't be undertaking the painting of the Barge," Mr Siviour said.
A close up picture showing peeling red paint and rust on the metal hull of a barge.
Council Chief Executive Tony Siviour said he did not 'even know if the vessel needs to be painted'.(ABC Riverland: Samantha Dawes)
Council documents from 2019 reveal the total cost of salvaging and re-locating the barge from the River Murray would reach $240,000, including $13,000 for "repairs, painting, sundries".
But in a council e-newsletter in May 2020, it was noted the cost "of raising and relocating the Argo Barge" was "$20,000 less than expected".
Despite the response from council, Ms Ryan said she hoped a resolution was reached soon to ensure locals and travellers could enjoy the sight of historic Argo Barge.
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www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-04/argo-barge-painting-dispute-with-council/12521018>
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