Commonwealth must rethink Wangaratta Decision

FROM THE MINISTER FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DATE: Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, John Brumby, today accused the Howard Government of turning its back on regional Victoria after it refused to provide funding for the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.

Mr Brumby said the Bracks Government had already committed $4.5 million towards the project and the Commonwealth was being asked to contribute $500,000.

He said the Commonwealth’s claim the project was not value for money was insulting.

“As the home of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, the region has built a strong reputation as one of regional Australia’s premier arts destinations. The new Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre will enhance this reputation.

“The community has been waiting many years for a new arts centre that will provide the town with the capacity to stage major festivals and events and attract more visitors to the region.

“The Bracks Government is a strong supporter of regional arts and has provided $4.5 million for the new centre under the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.

Mr Brumby called on the Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, to start working for Wangaratta by securing Commonwealth funding for the new centre.

The proposed 530-seat performing arts centre was the first capital works project to be announced as part of the Bracks Government’s $28 million commitment to boosting regional arts and cultural facilities, which includes $20 million from the RIDF to build new facilities.

The new centre, to be designed by Harmer Architecture, involves replacing the outdated 1960s former Town Hall and “Playhouse Theatre” buildings on the corner of Ovens and Ford streets with a new Hall and a purpose built theatre.

Mr Brumby said the new venue would meet contemporary standards for performing arts facilities and would help to attract high quality touring events to Wangaratta.

“The centre will secure Wangaratta’s place in Victoria’s network of arts centres and host a number of key regional and cultural festivals, including the hugely popular and successful Wangaratta Jazz Festival,” Mr Brumby said.