Dubbo Regional Council: A decision to retrieve more funding for tourism activation hubs after near scrap

A council in the state’s west will rally the NSW Government for additional funding to deliver three long-promised tourism hubs after a major construction cost blowout. Read more here.

A council in the state’s west will plead with the NSW Government for more funding for three long-promised infrastructure projects, after documents revealed the developments were at “risk”.

In Thursday night’s meeting, Dubbo Regional Council voted unanimously to make a formal submission to Infrastructure NSW for promised tourism activation zones, including the Macquarie River Foreshore Events Precinct, The Old Dubbo Gaol Hertiage Plaza and the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre.

Council will also express their interest for the Growing Regions Program to fund up to 50 per cent of the Wiradjuri hub to utilise Create NSW as part of council’s contribution via an internal loan.

This decision comes as council officers revealed a ‘significant’ project shortfall of $8,773,620 for the three attractions, putting the developments at risk.

Councillor Pam Wells said the new funding strategy would see all three projects be completed.

Dubbo Regional councillor Pam Wells. Picture: Ryan Young

“I’ve got really specific connections to the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre - I think that when we get to this point of having this available in this community, it’s going to bring so much opportunity, cultural opportunities, not just for Dubbo and the region but for all of NSW,” she told council’s chamber.

She continued saying the Wiradjuri people have the “opportunity to showcase some strong cultural practices”.

The proposed Wiradjuri Tourism Centre. Picture: Peter Stutchbury Architecture /Dubbo Regional Council

An artists impression of the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre in Dubbo. Picture: Peter Stutchbury Architecture

Before the council meeting Dubbo Aboriginal elder Frank Doolan, known as Riverbank Frank, expressed his “disappointment” with council after promising the facility for multiple years.

Riverbank Frank. Pic by Gary Ramage

“Indigenous Australians in the Dubbo area have been promised land for the facility for some time now and if it was down to economics over community and cultural concerns on diversity then it’s shameful,” Mr Doolan said.

“When you look at some of the most recent points of what council have pushed on rate payers in this city then you know where their priorities lie.”

He said council need to consider the community and cultural impact of scrapping the centre before economic reasoning.

The Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza and the Macquarie River Foreshore Events Precinct have experienced “significant” delays over the past four years with the “rising cost of building materials”.

Peter Hill, of Dubbo, said money shortages meant promised projects “have got to suffer”.

Dubbo resident Peter Hill.

Dubbo resident Yvette Aubusson-Foley shared her disappointment before the meeting, saying there is “so much hype and expectation” about the activation zones.

Dubbo resident Yvette Aubusson-Foley.

“It would be so good for the CBD - yes, the cost of everything, the construction, being able to get labor - I take all of that into account but I would hope they postpone it rather than cancel it all together,” Ms Aubusson-Foley said.

Another Dubbo resident Luke Edwards said the decision will not greatly impact him but said it is unfortunate for those who support the project.

Dubbo resident Luke Edwards.

“They shouldn’t promise things to the public and not deliver,” he said.