As councillors voted to note objections to the proposed 2021-22 budget, Cr Gunaratne proposed an amendment to suspend work on the Visitor Information Centre and art gallery, which includes the development of a new cinema until more community consultation could be undertaken.
That proposed amendment was not seconded, and subsequently not voted on.
Councillor Bernie Hearn then moved the original recommendation - that the report be noted.
Pam Robinson honoured on Queen’s Birthday with AM
Councillors Hearn, Peter Davis, Don Firth and Justin King spoke to the recommendation after that was passed.
Councillors King and Firth specifically thanking Cr Gunaratne for his work on the budget and the public submissions council had received.
“I'd like to thank Councillor Gunaratne for the work he has put in on this... Even though his motion failed,” Cr Firth said.
“It still goes to show he is prepared to put the work in.”
Estia Benalla marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Cr Gunaratne then took the opportunity to note his objections to the project when speaking about the decision.
“I’d like to highlight we live in a town where almost 30 per cent of the population live on less than $600 per week,” Cr Gunaratne told the meeting.
“We live in a town with a significant wealth divide. Public money should be used to bridge those gaps. To make life and conditions easier.”
Cr Gunaratne then questioned using public money to build a cinema, with a private company of management.
Benalla’s Stolz picks up two industry awards
“There’s no business case to show us how this proposed automated cinema might operate,” he said.
“I believe there is no transparency over where the money is coming from and there is no long-term plan from the council on how the proposed cinema will continue in operation – I haven’t seen any plan as such.
“If it continues the current trend of the cinema losing money and the operator walks away, none of the groundwork has been done on this . . .
“So there is no solid basis for continuing with it.”
Men’s shed supports mental health
Cr Gunaratne told the meeting that building a new cinema using public money could be locking council into unsustainable subsidies in the future.
“The council has received many submissions today, and heard from residents clearly stating that they do not want the council to spend money, public money, on building a privately operated cinema,” he said.
“The council is obliged to take seriously the concerns brought to them by... residents.
“We must do better.”
No councillors chose to speak after Mr Gunaratne spoke of his objections.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
15°C