Bunbury arts centre gets council nod

Property developer Geoff Prosser’s inspiring $30 million art gallery near the Leschenault Inlet moved forward last night when Bunbury City Council created a committee to progress the proposal.

Despite a protracted and at times heated debate, the council resolved to form an advisory committee that would develop a business case and determine the scope of the project.

Mr Prosser, art collector Lloyd Horn, and architect William Hames submitted to the council plans for an arts centre containing an art gallery, convention centre theatrette, and cafeteria and is set in a sculptured garden setting.

Mr Prosser and Mr Horn were nominated to the committee, along with Mayor David Smith and Councillors Stephen Craddock, Brendan Kelly, and Michelle Steck.

Cr Kelly told councillors this project came at an opportune time for the council to show some vision, something he said had been lacking in recent years.

``We all know and everyone in the public knows, we have had a tough year,’’ he said.

``We have been losing our way to some extent and need to take some new direction.

``It’s important we be seen to be getting behind something.’’

Cr Craddock urged council to vote for the multi-million-dollar project, arguing the city would become more attractive to tourists if there was an art gallery on the foreshore.

He said the council had to collectively agree that this was a sound proposal.

``Politicians make decisions on united councils,’’ he said.

Cr Judy Jones agreed, labelling the proposal ``terrific’’.

Only Crs Noel Whittle and Karen Steele voted against the proposal.

Cr Whittle said he feared the council had already decided on giving it the green light without considering all the facts and alternatives, while Cr Steele argued the council was not looking at the bigger picture.

``I’m going to be persistent, I don’t think this art gallery should be on our foreshore,’’ she said.

The advisory committee is charged with developing the design of the art gallery building, establishing cost estimates, defining ancillary uses, and ensure the development integrates with adjoining foreshore areas.