Mayor ?disappointed? by State?s lack of support for Art Gallery redevelopment

Published: 17/8/2012

AlburyCity Mayor Cr Alice Glachan has expressed her disappointment that NSW Arts Minister George Souris is unable to offer State Government financial support for the $10.5M Albury Art Gallery redevelopment.
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Cr Glachan and AlburyCity's Acting General Manager Michael Keys met with the Minister in Sydney yesterday only to be told that capital funds were currently unavailable for the project.
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"To be told that the state won't support one of our region's most important cultural assets is extremely disappointing," Cr Glachan said. "It's not the outcome we would have liked but by no means is it a full stop on the project."

Local MP, Greg Aplin also attended the meeting and has been actively campaigning for funding towards this local project. Mr Aplin will now seek a meeting with the Deputy Premier to discuss funding options and future participation in the project by the NSW State Government.

"We'll reassess our options and investigate other funding sources. That can include private partnerships, sponsorships and philanthropy and we will continue to lobby the NSW Government," Cr Glachan said.
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"Although we've been told that the funding isn't available right now, it doesn't rule out the possibility that it may be available in 12 months time. We'll continue lobbying vigorously to get the funding we need because we intend to proceed with this project."
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Cr Glachan says the $10.5M art gallery redevelopment would be one of the most exciting projects undertaken by Council since the building of the LibraryMuseum.
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"This project involves a major refurbishment and expansion of the gallery that will ensure it fulfils its role as the premier cultural centre for the region and a driver of economic growth, development and tourism."
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"As one of the city's must see destinations, we predict it would generate an additional 30,000 out of town visitors, will inject an extra $3.8M in tourism spend and boost the local economy by $6.1M."
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The Federal Government has already committed $3.5M to the redevelopment under Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund. AlburyCity has identified $3.5M in Special Variation to Rate income as its contribution to the project.

Source: http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/news.asp?n=1468

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