CELEBRATIONS over a $1.95-million government grant to help revive Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village ran aground at Warrnambool City Council last night.
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Instead of a rousing applause for a planned $3m upgrade of the sound and light laser show and improving the wharf and entrance areas, discussions turned into a stormy verbal stoush.
The plan was derided as a Band-Aid solution and an exercise in throwing good money after bad. Agenda recommendations to write a letter of thanks to Premier and South West Coast MP Denis Napthine for the funding, and to seek an update report on a masterplan renewal for the ageing tourist attraction, narrowly scraped through on a 4-3 vote.
Concerns have been bubbling for years over declining patronage and the council’s cost burden in providing about $500,000 annually to keep the 40-year-old man-made attraction operating as a tourism drawcard.
Despite figures showing it added $2.95m to the local economy annually, had almost three million visitors since opening including more than 300,000 patrons at the sound and light show, doubts remain.
Cr Peter Hulin said the grant was appreciated, but it did not address the problem.
“It’s putting more money into something that’s not working,” he said. “This is a ... Band-Aid solution. The solution is putting the operation into private hands.”
Mayor Michael Neoh said he was perplexed by inferences the council was not looking at private investment in its forward plan.
“We have to first deal with the short-term issue which is to get people through the doors of the sound and light show,” he said.
“We need to ensure we have a regional tourism attractor and need to keep it functioning.”
Cr Peter Sycopoulis said there were community concerns over whether the council should continue running the village.
“No-one has convinced me that pouring millions into it is the best way forward,” he said.
His comments were echoed by Cr Brian Kelson who said the planned expenditure could have been better utilised in other parts of the city.
“Privatisation must be sooner rather than later,” he said.
Cr Kylie Gaston said it made sense to improve the sound and light show to keep the visitors coming while considering future options.
Cr Rob Askew agreed that private investment was being considered, but in the interim the sound and light show upgrade would increase the attraction for visitors and locals.
