State Government rejects funding call for Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre

The State Government has again declined to fund Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre, citing the City’s “strong financial position”. Last month Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan declined to help fund the $38 million project in a letter to Mayor Grant Henley. The rejection letter comes a month after the City of Busselton council moved to push forward with the world-class arts hub in September, in a bid to push the City as the events capital of WA. Ms MacTiernan said the basis of the decision was that the City was both financially secure and the region had already received significant funding by the State Government infrastructure. “City of Busselton itself noted its ‘strong financial position to more than cover the full debt required to complete the build’ of the Centre at its 8 September meeting,” she said. “The State Government has invested heavily into Busselton over the past decade – including $46 million towards the airport, $24 million towards the jetty, significant investment into the foreshore and another $9.5 million committed to the Underwater Discovery Centre. “We are always open to new project ideas from regional local governments, and will assess each application on a case-by-case basis.” While the State Government opted not to add funds to the project, the City has previously secured a $13.5m Federal Government cash injection as well as a $15m loan. Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said while the State’s decision was disappointing, the City would continue to pursue funding opportunities as the project continues. “It is very disappointing the State Government has advised it will not contribute funding towards the project as performing art centres across Australia are generally supported by their State government, the most recent examples being Albany Entertainment Centre, Margaret River Heart Performing Arts Centre and Red Earth Performing Arts Centre in Karratha,” he said. “The tender for the construction of the BPACC has closed and officers are currently reviewing it, including any necessary value engineering options, with a recommendation to be brought to council in the near future. “The City will continue to pursue funding opportunities wherever possible, including the Federal Government.” The move to proceed with the multimillion-dollar project, despite a 50 per cent cost blowout in the budget due to construction cost booms in the wake of COVID-19, has been a point of contention for the regional community. In a public consultation survey performed ahead of the City’s final decision, it was revealed 53 per cent of those surveyed wanted to see the project scrapped altogether due to the cost increase.