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City split on arts hub

RACHEL CURRYBusselton Dunsborough Times
City split on arts hub
Camera IconCity split on arts hub Credit: Busselton Dunsborough Times

Busselton City Council is considering adding an $8 million performing arts centre to its $20 million administration building redevelopment, despite opposition from the mayor.

A 300-seat multi-functional civic centre and performing arts space would be included in the long-planned redevelopment of the City’s facilities on Southern Drive.

A Performing Arts Centre costing approximately $23 million had previously been earmarked for the Department of Parks and Wildlife site adjacent to the cultural precinct and would require long term negotiation.

But City staff said their recommendation could realise a PAC in the much shorter term. They have recommended the proposal be advertised for public feedback.

Mayor Ian Stubbs has signalled his intentions to vote against the project at Wednesday’s council meeting, suggesting councillors had been “caught up in the hype”.

In a statement provided to the Times, Cr Stubbs said the foreshore redevelopment should remain the City’s number one priority.

“I doubt very much if the State Government is going to hand out money to the City for the foreshore while we are directing $30 million to administration offices and a PAC, ” he said. “We need to be realistic about this. If the City goes ahead with this project, I think it will be goodbye to State funding.”

City staff said the project would be funded through three rate increases of 1.25 per cent, followed by a 0.5 per cent increase at the end of construction for operating costs.

Cr Stubbs said this hid the true cost.

“The rate increases will in fact be at least 5.25 per cent for the next three years and about 5 per cent in the fourth year … when you include our commitment to a CPI increase and a commitment to a 1 per cent increase for management of our road assets, ” he said.

Cr Stubbs has suggested the City delay the project and use transportable offices for the next five to six years.

Members of the performing arts community were generally supportive of the proposal. Russell Chandler from Bare Naked Theatre and Acting Up Drama School said on the surface it was a good approach and more achievable than building a stand-alone PAC. South West Academy of Dance owner Glenda Allan believed Busselton needed a bigger PAC but the current proposal was a good interim solution.

They said Busselton was missing out on performances due to a lack of facilities.

See Ian Stubbs’ full letter at infogo.com.au/go and use the code.

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