A multi-million dollar plan to revamp the grandstands at Armidale’s showground has been turned down by council due to a lack of funding.
It’s left the venue’s committee searching for other ways to get the project up and running.
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I am disappointed at the slant taken by Simone Cameron in this story.
Council did not quash this project. It was turned down at the federal level when the committee applied for a grant.
The buildings are on state-owned land. The Showground Trust is a state-appointed body and the land is controlled by the Trust under the auspices of the NSW Department of Land. It is not a Council-specific responsibility.
Council went through an exhaustive process of community consultation before setting its strategic directions and this project was not nominated by the community in this process. Council has set priorities, one of which is to maintain and enhance existing infrastructure. Council has to finance a new landfill and a library, both of which are core Council responsibilities.
While I commend the committee on its efforts, it will take other levels of government to show strong financial support for the project. I wish the committee well in its efforts to gain this support.
Cr. Jim Maher
Acting Mayor