ALBURY Council will fire in a $5 million funding application to the NSW Government for an upgrade of the Albury Entertainment Centre before the end of the month.
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The overall price tag for the major works is $18.5 million and tourism and economic development director Tracey Squire revealed a state funding program closed at the end of September where council could apply for $5 million to match the ratepayers’ contribution to date before attention then turned to the federal government for support.
In response to a query from Cr Murray King whether council was creating an unnecessary clash, Ms Squire said the stadium upgrade was the priority and conference facilities were still subject to a future business case analysis.
“Given the merits of this project, its location and proximity to the CBD it is always going to be a premiere, large scale conference facility when compared with the likes of Lauren Jackson,” she said.
Cr David Thurley said the AEC upgrade was long overdue.
“You stand at the southern end of (QEII Square), look back and it is certainly an ageing facility,” he said.
“It is limited in space.
“We really need to push hard and with a couple of elections coming up so maybe there is a couple of opportunities to get funding.
“It would make the entertainment centre a modern, up to date and very attractive facility.”
Cr Darren Cameron backed the upgrade, but wanted the state and federal governments to both play their part in the funding equation.
He withdrew his support for the creation of Murray Art Museum Albury when the NSW government didn’t contribute to the same level as ratepayers and federal government.
“I will not be supporting any future arrangements that don’t include a tripartite funding arrangement from the NSW government, federal government and Albury Council,” he said.
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