Upper House inquiry to look at Powerhouse Museum’s relocation to Parramatta
Move on and get over it, the Powerhouse Museum is coming to Parramatta
Parramatta
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MOVE on and get over it.
That is the message from Western Sydney Business Chamber David Borger to those opposing the Powerhouse Museum move from Ultimo to Parramatta.
His comments come after the Legislative Council of Parliament voted to establish an inquiry into the state’s museums and galleries.
The Upper House inquiry will specifically look into the government’s controversial decision to relocate the Powerhouse to a site on the banks of the Parramatta River.
“The Upper House can inquire all they like about the movement of the Powerhouse. The decision has been made. People need to move on, get over it,” Mr Borger said
“This is a cultural project that will bring a million visitors a year to Parramatta. If they want to do an inquiry why don’t they look at why western Sydney receives so little of government funding for cultural and art institutions?”
Mr Borger said the government’s plan to construct the Powerhouse in Parramatta was “well supported within the local community and in greater western Sydney.”
There has been strong opposition against museum’s relocation from a group of inner city residents and some Parramatta community members.
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said the government was keeping its promise on bringing the Powerhouse to Parramatta.
“The haters may not like it but the Powerhouse is moving to Parramatta. The response from people in western Sydney for the move is overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
“We have already announced the site in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. We are now working on the plans to make the Powerhouse an iconic international institution — a major drawcard for local, national and international visitors.”
Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker has welcomed the decision to hold an inquiry.
“This parliamentary inquiry is a major breakthrough as it will lift the veil of secrecy over the
government’s flawed decision making regarding the sale of the Powerhouse Museum,” he
said.
“Selling off this purpose-built and recently refurbished building in Ultimo represents an
appalling waste of public money. It’s a decision that has been taken without expert input,
community consultation or any comprehensive cultural strategy.”
Mr Parker encouraged people to make submissions to the inquiry.
Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said moving the Powerhouse was great for arts, culture, jobs and for western Sydney.
“The Upper House inquiry aside, the NSW Government is 100 per cent committed to moving the Powerhouse Museum to western Sydney,” he said.
“The government will continue to progress its planning for the relocation. With a site now selected, exciting work has begun to shape what the Powerhouse will look and feel like in its new home on the Parramatta river bank.”
A committee report will be ready by November 24.
To make a submission, go to parliament.nsw.gov.au/museumsandgalleries
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