Council lifeline for Exhibition Hall

Improved marketing is the key to expanding use of Warragul’s Exhibition Hall according to a report examining its future.

Currently operating at a loss, Baw Baw Shire councillors have agreed to increase utilisation of the Howitt St hall and refer any associated enhancement costs to the budget process.

Increasing utilisation was one of five options put to councillors in the report requested by Cr Danny Goss at an August council meeting.

Whilst council officers recommended the report simply be noted, Cr Goss wasted no time in putting up an alternative motion pushing for greater use of the heritage community asset.

“I brought this motion forward because I was a little bit concerned about under utilisation, whether or not the hall was being used,” he said.

“Council officers say there are steps that can be taken to improve utilisation and increase revenue, including improved marketing of the space and reviewing the current fee.

“Let’s not leave the assets of the ratepayers vacant for long periods of time. Let’s try to be on the front foot, be pro-active and get people to use this space in this area.”

The report said hall use and revenue had been impacted by COVID, with 212 bookings in the 2019/20 financial year and 119 bookings in 2021/22.

A “modest income” of $10,503 was recorded in 2019/20 and $8362 in 2021/22. However, after expenses including utilities and cleaning, it operated at a loss.

“Exhibition Hall does not receive enough income to cover costs, and currently runs at a deficit of $4000 to $5000 annually,” the report said. “Further, the building has required capital works of $138,000 over the past three years to maintain its current state.”

The building has been tilised by Warragul Playgroup since the mid1980s who pays a modest rental reflecting its not-for-profit status.

Other user groups include martial arts, community arts, and fundraising events and exhibitions such as the Lions Club Book Fair, Rotary Club Art Exhibition, coin and stamp fair and annual bird show. It also is booked for private events and commercial bookings as well as utilised by the Warragul Show. Roller skating events have been held recently.

The report noted several community group bookings did not generate revenue as they were exempt from fees as per historical decisions of council. The revenue forgone from these arrangements in 2021/22 was $5958.40.

The report noted any exploration of redevelopment may result in community disappointment given the building’s historic public use and location. It said consideration should be given in preserving its cultural heritage.

“The building’s strong association with the Warragul Show and its location for many community events in its history is likely to generate public concern, and some community members may feel disappointed in losing a community asset,” the report said.

Five options in the report included: increase utilisation; use by maternal and child health service; redevelopment as a community hub; incorporation into Logan Park precinct; and commercial redevelopment.

It was deemed unsuitable for maternal and child health services due to its location on a busy road, limited parking and proximity to petrol station and alcohol retailer.

The community hub option required a review for altering the layout and function of the building. It also noted the option may be hampered by proximity to the Goods Shed providing a similar function, suitability for groups seeking larger spaces, lack of parking and undesirable neighbouring businesses.

Exploring the option of incorporating the site into Logan Park, it noted close proximity to the Warragul Drill Hall currently occupied by the Warragul Gymnastics Club. The Exhibition Hall roof height was found to be too low to enable the full range of gymnastic activities.

The commercial development option indicated it would be attractive for sale but noted the site would need to have the title reviewed, be rezoned, potential for soil contamination and possibility of asbestos in the building.

Cr Goss said the hall was used more than he thought and marketing the space, renovation and enhancements could boost use.

“I didn’t bring it forward to kick anybody out or didn’t bring it forward to put anyone in there, or demolish it even as somebody wrote to me,” he said. “People do certainly get concerned about these sorts of things.”

Cr Joe Gauci said community members may believe the hall was just a playgroup due to lack of signage.

“I think if we just broaden our ideas a little bit, have a look at what the scope could be, get it out there, we might get more utilisation and make it worth its while,” he said.