Standing by HOTA secrecy
MAJOR design work is underway for the future stages of HOTA, but the council will continue to keep its strategy on the arts precinct a secret.
Mayor Tom Tate has defended council’s position on recent closed door meetings and confidential briefings on HOTA, which included a review after the building of a green bridge, outdoor stage and gallery.
The Bulletin reported on Friday that the council had declined to make public findings from consultants Sharpe Advisory on the management of the arts precinct.
Suggested next stages were heavily redacted, as were recommendations on whether the booking of acts could be done by a private agency to maximise financial returns.
“This consultant’s report has significant confidential and commercial-in-confidence information so it is unrealistic that this information could, or should, be released into the public domain,” Mayor Tom Tate said on Friday.
“Council recently resolved to commence detailed design work for the next stage of HOTA and we remain absolutely committed to a vibrant arts and culture scene.”
The Bulletin had asked whether it might not be “helpful” for ratepayers to know the next stages given the significant costings.
At least $29m will be needed for renovations, and up to $295m to replace the ageing arts centre. The $39m asset is making half of its expected profits. The council is providing $17.9m for 2021-22.
Cr Tate said council was “working with HOTA and its board to maximise opportunities for the precinct”.
“...At the same time, we must get the maximum return for ratepayers and ensure the best governance is applied.”
Mayor Tate also responded to questions about whether there should be debate about outsourcing the management of HOTA, and if there was more focus on it being a moneymaking exercise rather than helping the arts community.
“Debate is healthy but we have not considered ‘outsourcing management’,” he said.
“A report will soon come to council to consider options for the management of the outdoor amphitheatre.
“A decision will be made in the best interests of the community in terms of prudent financial management and ensuring … top-quality content.
“HOTA is managed by an independent board including people of the highest credentials. The board has not identified outsourcing as a priority.”
THE story of the Home of the Arts is a great narrative about a new tourism attraction and community asset for this city. But the positive storyline is at risk due to secrecy. On Friday, the Bulletin reported that ratepayer-paid research from Sharpe Advisory would not be made public. We still don’t know the cost of that consultant report.
Previous Bulletin reporting showed at least $29m would be needed for renovations, and up to $295m if the ageing arts centre was replaced.
These are major decisions involving huge amounts of ratepayer dollars.
HOTA is costing almost $18m a year to run. The $39m asset is not making expected profit returns, largely due to Covid.
We are at a crucial plot point in this storyline. Do ratepayers want the facility to make a healthy profit? If so, do we secure private managers? Or are we happy with it creating great opportunities for youth interested in the arts, and attracting high-spending tourists to major entertainment acts?
Mayor Tom Tate: “This consultant’s report has significant confidential and commercial-in-confidence information so it is unrealistic that this information could, or should, be released into the public domain.
“Council recently resolved to commence detailed design work for the next stage of HOTA and we remain absolutely committed to a vibrant arts and culture scene.”
Mayor Tate is correct for commercial-in-confidence information not to be released. Possibly even designs of new attractions which give our city an edge on rivals. But we should be given a general sense where the facility was heading, given the costs.
Ratepayers are being denied a voice. There is no debate, no information available, just silence. Please council and councillors, open the curtains. More transparency is needed.