Community responds to WGAC redevelopment

Baw Baw Shire’s approval of a $10.9 million tender for redevelopment of the West Gippsland Arts Centre was described as a “courageous decision” by mayor Joe Gauci.

A project reference group representing key user groups was involved in the concept development and detailed design phases. Council officers said the general community would be engaged throughout the construction phase.

Total cost for the project is estimated to be $13.4 million. Council’s contribution could be up to $9.4 million if federal funding is not secured.

Following council’s decision and reports about the financials and details of the project, The Gazette asked Facebook followers what they thought of the redevelopment and whether it was exciting, necessary or a priority.

Lauren Langfield - It is absolutely a priority. Without a doubt this council needs to invest in future planning for the arts. This redevelopment is not just necessary to ensuring that we can continue hosting high quality performances, but also to spotlight our shire as a place of interest for tourism. The new development will benefit students and schools, as well as local businesses.

Carol Fenwick - Even though it sounds like a lot of money, and it is, I’m all for it. Warragul, Drouin and the Baw Baw Shire need a draw card to boost tourism into Gippsland apart aside from the annual Farm World gig.

Cameron Gray - This is an exciting project for the community, one that everyone will benefit from. Is it necessary? Yes, it improves accessibility, viability and profitability from this community asset. Is it a priority? Yes, more of one than an outdoor pool.

Delta Hill - If we want to encourage people into our community to contribute to its future, such as doctors and teachers, we need to provide them with an infrastructure that suits their needs. Having a well developed arts centre is a big part of that. We want people to come here and choose to stay here. Plus the huge benefit it will bring to the local economy.

Steph Young - $9 million is an investment in the future of our town. Upgrading the arts centre is an important venture. I’m someone who got their start in the industry at WGAC, and it’s fast becoming obvious that we must adapt and grow with the times to continue to get the great performances we’ve had in the past down to Warragul.

Shannon Davies - Absolutely think we can. Long term loans with minimal interest is an ideal opportunity to fund something that will future proof the community and one component of our society. This council has an annual budget of $65M. This is exactly what our council should be funding. The federal government is likely to support it...the timing is out of sequence for the funding stream.

Keira Jarred - It’s so important to invest in the arts. More seats and better facilities will help Warragul to continue attracting high calibre productions. This brings more people to the town, which in turn subsidises the cost of venue use for our schools. And besides the economic reasons to invest, it’s so nice being able to see theatre and ballet and opera without having to travel to the city every time. A thriving arts community encourages creativity very important in a growing town.

Kerrie Paynter - Unnecessary there are more important things that the shire need to address than the arts centre.

Luke Fawns - Given how high the rates are in Baw Baw in comparison to the rest of Victoria, I’d like to think they would spend more money on things like proper road works and not just patch-ups. Among other things that will actually give the local economy a boost, the arts centre is only a minor priority.

David Burt - Can never spend too much on community infrastructure. The arts generate much in the way of economic activity, and contribute to the positive thinking and ideas creation leading to SME creation and development.

Daniel Ingram - How can councillors justify an unfunded project? Whilst I’m in favour of a redevelopment, as I use it, but the council needs to be debt free. Borrowing money just leads to rate increases for the ratepayers. You only have to visit Cardinia Shire and talk to their residents on how the increases have affected them. It all started with “we need this or people won’t come” attitude.

Troy Dawes - City of Casey building their new Arts Centre/Cultural Centre at $125 million. Baw Baw Shire needs to keep the facilities up to date, $9 million is small for such an integral part of the community. No brainer!

Vaughan Yuk Cumiskey - I’d like to see an all weather synthetic athletics track at Burke St, within a stone’s throw of an Olympic size swimming pool…tennis, netball, basketball…potential for a huge sports hub in a beautiful park!

Mandie Mans - Yes exciting...no not necessary or a priority. $9.4 million - imagine what you could do with that to help drug/alcohol affected people/families. Now that is necessary and a priority!

Troy Smith - I’d be happy just to drive around the town without buckling a rim or needing a wheel alignment every six months no wonder a lot of people drive 4wds around town

Em Gorman - I think that it’s a lot of money and maybe it is not the time to be spending so much. A hundred thousand in our hall would see it able to put on just about any show. Perhaps an upgrade of a few venues would be of more value to the community.

Tony Vass - More than good enough as it is. I’d rather a $9.4m reduction in rates, and no grotesque crosses in the middle of town at Easter. We have churches for this rubbish.

Dail Malady - Money could be better spent elsewhere. Maybe more efficient town planners as the wait on permits is and should be an embarrassment to Baw Baw Shire.

Karen Austen - There is more to a “community” than roads - the WGAC will be a great facility for many (young and old) to use.

Wilson Pollock - No way! Fix roads and make more car parking! It’s no priority.

Bryce Edhouse - This is a critical piece of infrastructure for our town. It’s a no brainer to redevelop it. Judy Keegan - Up goes our rates again. Linda Lou - The Baw Baw Shire isn’t just Drouin & Warragul.

Nola ODea - I think there are more important things to do first.