CLUB X ACCUSES CONSERVATIVES OF KEEPING PEACE ON DEPUTY MAYOR’S WATER CASE TO SAVE MAJORITY

Adult store Club X has taken aim at Greater Shepparton City Council, but says scare mongering from a ‘‘Christian-centric’’ body did not contribute to the sale of its land in Shepparton East. The block at 2-4 Carroll Rd was poised to become home to an adult sex shop, but Club X sold the land to a businessman on Friday. Club X spokesman Craig Hill said the sale achieved a record high price and the business would take its earnings to interests in South Africa.

‘‘We’re far better off spending it in South Africa; we’ve been quite
active there for three years,’’ Mr Hill said. ‘‘Club X has never
backed away from a fight and our decision had nothing to do with
a level of animosity from particular conservative Christian councillors.’’
Mr Hill accused other councillors of not ejecting deputy mayor and Club X opposer councillor Dallas Terlich so they could maintain a conservative
majority, after Cr Terlich pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking water.
‘‘The only reason one could imagine that this position was made
available, was to stack the council with more Christian value clout,’’
Mr Hill said. ‘‘His nomination for deputy was supported by fellow Salvation
Army member Sondrae Johnson. ‘‘The ratepayers of the Goulburn Valley would probably be quite upset if they knew how much council has spent on
this issue.’’ Mayor Jenny Houlihan said the money had been ‘‘very well spent’’. ‘‘And it wouldn’t have been wasted if Club X had not chosen to come here in the first place,’’ Cr Houlihan said. ‘‘I think that’s a very
good idea because somebody else has purchased that land and I’m sure the development there will make up for it monetarily and be much better socially.'