ALBURY Council has the ear of the NSW government when it comes to funding a redeveloped convention centre in the city, state MP Justin Clancy says.
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The government member said Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres had been briefed about the estimated $18 million revamp by council during visits to Albury.
"They're certainly encouraging council to take those plans forward," Mr Clancy said.
"They both recognise the importance of that precinct for the city and the importance of the conference centre."
In an email to council's executive Tracey Squire, Belbridge Hague's Rob Meers urged the city to tap into state funding for the precinct.
"Any approach by council to the state government would need to be for a more visionary plan than has previously been outlined for the convention centre," Mr Meers wrote.
"The state government...have set aside significant sums of money to 'support bold and exciting regional arts and culture and to support councils to deliver crucial infrastructure to improve the quality of life'.
"They are not interested in small projects; they are looking for vote-winners."
Mr Clancy said upping the capacity of the convention centre to complement the neighbouring theatre was crucial.
He pointed to a 2018-22 regional economic plan where an expanded convention wing was listed as an "early stage priority".
Mr Clancy supports retaining the theatre, which Albury councillor Murray King said this month was tired and past its use-by date.
"I think the entertainment centre continues to provide a good service as a facility and as a community and a city we're fortunate to have such an important asset," Mr Clancy said.