THERE were tears and cries of “shame!” as Tenterfield Shire Council failed to overturn a decision to fund the Visitor’s Information Centre.
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A rescission motion was put before Tenterfield councillors to re-evaluate a prior decision made in March.
At the March ordinary council meeting held in Drake, six councillors voted down a decision to provide an annual $30,000 contribution to the Tenterfield and District Visitors Association for the operation of the VIC.
The same six councillors weren’t swayed and stood by their earlier decision with Cr Brian Murray, Cr Don Forbes, Cr Michael Petrie and Mayor Peter Petty the four voting in favour of contributing funds.
Over 30 people packed the public gallery to witness the outcome.
Lara Flanagan and Lynton Rhodes gave five minute presentations during the public access session speaking in favour of funding the centre.
“Firstly, this is not about the TVA. This decision is about the most effective management model for the centre,” Ms Flanagan said.
“The TVA can manage the centre with $30,000 annual support. If you (council) can find a better model, great.”
Ms Flanagan intimated it could cost council in excess of $70,000 annually, before even furnishing and stocking the centre.
“So as you can see I can’t work out how the Tenterfield Shire Council’s run model is more cost effective for the shire of Tenterfield,” she said.
Councillor’s primary rebuttal was that the funds weren’t in place to give handouts.
“From which portion of the budget do you propose it (money) is taken?” Cr Mary Leahy said.
“Council’s support of the centre is high – despite controversy over the $30,000.
“Our operational expenditure has been cut to the bone – there will be consequences for many other organisations in the shire if we take this from our community donations fund.
“You have sufficient funds in the bank,” Cr Leahy said.
Cr Toni Hull suggested it would be ‘miraculous’ if they were able to snare the money for the centre.
“It would be a miracle if we (council) could find the money," Cr Hull said.
"This is a private association essentially working for the benefit of its membership.
“There is no great big bucket of cash.”
Four councillors spoke in favour of the recommendation to fund the centre.
“As far as I’m concerned we really need this – I don’t think the general manager would have any trouble getting the money,” Cr Petrie said.
The centres licence agreement remains in place for a further three years with the TVA required to pay an annual $6,000 licence fee.
The Tenterfield and District Visitors Association will hold a special general meeting on May 14 to discuss where they now lie in the wake of the decision.
More to follow in our next edition…
