North Burnett Council calls for expressions of interest in RM Williams Centre

The North Burnett council has called for expressions of interest in purchasing or leasing a major tourist attraction if the right proposal is tendered. FULL DETAILS:

A major North Burnett tourist attraction could be up for sale if the right buyer comes along, with the council looking to repurpose or sell the centre.

The RM William Bush Learning Centre in Eidsvold opened in 2010, and honours both Reginald Murray Williams as well as paying tribute to “the bush skills and culture that the bush was founded upon” and has won multiple awards for its operation.

But with the North Burnett council looking to rein in spending due to major financial issues, the centre could be set to change hands.

CHECK IT OUT: The RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre at Eidsvold. Photo: Contributed

Councillors resolved at a past general meeting to call for expressions of interest for the centre, with the council this month calling for interested parties to submit their ideas.

“Councillors have considered that the centre is not part of council’s core essential business and that this service may be better delivered by another entity,” a spokesman said.

“Councillors will review submissions received and consider any proposals submitted and their implications on council’s corporate plan and financial sustainability.”

RM Williams Centre. Photo: Noel Thompson.

The council is considering either the sale, or lease or full repurposing of the centre.

A six-page prospectus for potential investors was posted to the council website, and provides examples of future opportunities at the site, including expanding the hospitality side of the centre as well as opportunities to leverage its location for accommodation services.

The council is calling for interested parties to share their proposals as part of the EOI, whether this be a business case, strategies or future ideas for the centre.

The EOI will close on May 3, 2022.