Stage 2 of the Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment Project will receive an $800K boost from Council's Section 7.12 Developer Contributions, following endorsement at the June Ordinary Council Meeting.
The request to source additional Council funding was made by the Roxy Project Management Office after the project did not make the Federal Government's final cut for Growing Regions funding in May 2024. Council was seeking $2.2M towards Stage 2 of the Roxy redevelopment and had been invited to apply after a successful expression of interest.
The report to Council was thoroughly debated and was narrowly carried (4/3).
Crs George Weston and Sandra Nardi were not in attendance, with Cr Weston having declared a conflict of interest and Cr Nardi an apology.
Crs Tony Ciccia, Matt Holt and Krystal Maytom voted against the motion and asked that their votes be recorded.
Crs Kidd, Morris, Smith and Mayor Reneker voted for the motion.
The decision brings Council's total investment in the project up to $6.51M or 51% of the total project cost. The rest (49%) is grant funded.
Mayor Tony Reneker said the decision was very difficult to make, with councillors feeling like they were over a barrel. He thanked Councillors for the respectful debate that was had on the night.
"In the end, the majority of councillors decided it was better to advance Stage 2 to the extent resources allow and keep the trades on site rather than disappoint the community by opening a partially completed building," he said.
Portfolio lead for Arts and Culture, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Michael Kidd, said that with the integration of services across both Stages 1 and 2, it was best to keep the trades on site to complete what they have started.
"It was very disappointing not to receive the federal funds but using unallocated developer contributions offers a practical solution to get the project closer to the finish line," he said.
General Manager, Jackie Kruger, said the additional $800K is still short of the $2.2M goal however will bring each of the Roxy II theatrette, upstairs dressing room, management office and rehearsal (green) room to a useable, 'warm shell' stage.
"Council staff will continue to look for grant opportunities for discreet elements of the remaining projects and the Roxy Redevelopment Committee has mobilised a subcommittee to help raise additional funds locally," she said.
Completion of Stage 1 is well on track with the painting of the auditorium nearly finished. The floorboards over the new concrete base will be laid soon, followed by the dress circle carpeting and seating install.
A video tour of the latest progress will be released within a fortnight.
With Stage 2 now set to commence, Occupation Certification for both Stages will be applied for once and is now scheduled for mid-August. There is then a series of "Community First" soft openings planned as part of commissioning and testing the new facility. This will include the Eisteddfod Dance Competition, Gralee School Play and the Outback Band Spectacular.
