Bega Valley Shire Council's call for expressions of interest from skilled people willing to help with restoration of the iconic building failed to attract volunteers.

A council spokesman said the call for EOIs was "a way of trying to turn all the offers of support from the community into something tangible/real", following an outpouring of support for the restoration of the old hotel at a public meeting last September.

"Council is disappointed, that sort of support is really needed to help push this forward," a council spokesman said. "But no-one here is downbeat. The door is still open."

Council reaffirmed its support for the project and is continuing to investigate possible tenancies as well as designing the access way between Imlay St and the rear car park as a public thoroughfare.

However, the failure of the EOI to attract any takers rattled some councillors at last Wednesday's council meeting.

Cr Kristy McBain said council did not yet have a building that was capable of being tenanted.

"I'm not sure we should have taken this on. I hold reservations for the project," Cr McBain said.

Cr Sharon Tapscott shared council's disappointment. 

"It will be focus in the of middle of Eden. I'm disappointed we didn’t get any tradespeople, but I know the committee is still very committed to getting the facade reinstated to its 1904 facade."

Hotel Australasia Group chairman Peter Whiter does not believe the situation is as bleak as it may appear on paper.

Mr Whiter wrote to councillors and staff last Thursday saying he was not aware tradespeople had to fill in the EOI.

"Had I known of this expectation I am certain you are aware that I would have collected expressions and signatures and delivered them personally to the meeting,” Mr Whiter’s email said.

He promised to contact supporters and forward their details to council within days.

Mr Whiter said the group’s insurance policies were now in place so that working bees could commence once OH&S issues were met.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working 25 hours a week on the facade. Interested tradespeople should call him on 0412 327 818.