BREC work to cost city $300,000

Bunbury City Council will fork out more than $300,000 to fix significant damage at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.

Re-cladding of the centre’s fly tower has been listed as a priority with water damage stopping performances on occasions, according to a report from works and service director Gavin Harris.

The fly tower is above the centre’s stage where scenery for a production is flown or supported.

“This is causing significant damage internally and can also see large amounts of water freely flowing into the building, down the walls and across the floors at the rear of the stage,” Mr Harris said.

While the repair bill has been quoted at $668,148, the council is confident it will be successful in its application for a Regional Venues Improvement Fund grant through the State Government.

The grant requires a 50 per cent contribution from the council, which means it will have to cover costs of $334,074.

The council will draw from its Building Restoration and Maintenance Reserve to cover costs. If unsuccessful in its grant application, the council will pay the bill.

Mayor Gary Brennan said while it was a massive cost, the centre was an important asset.

“It’s a building owned by the community, therefore the city has to provide funding to maintain the capital cost and that includes repair work,” he said.

“That’s the price the community pays for having community, cultural and sporting facilities operating and that’s no different to any other local government operating across Australia.

“I’m not aware of any facility that runs at a profit, but I think it’s more important to have cultural, recreation facilities than worry about the bottom line.

“It’s a balance, but I’m very relaxed about funding cultural and sporting facilities – I think they’re absolutely essential for the wellbeing of our community.”