Coober Pedy Council proposes $7.5m upgrade to drive-in theatre despite significant financial difficulties
Mired in debt, a South Australian council is proposing to spend millions of dollars upgrading its drive-in theatre, leaving some residents fuming.
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A regional council facing dire financial difficulties in the state’s north is spruiking an upgrade to its drive-in theatre, at an estimated cost of $7.5 million.
The District Council of Coober Pedy recently released a draft of the proposed upgrade, for community consultation, a process which is due to finish on Friday May 16.
Speaking to The Advertiser on Wednesday, a council spokeswoman said there would be no cost to ratepayers as the project would only proceed if external grant funding could be secured.
“The community consultation is for the plan to be endorsed by council and for no further action other than monitoring available grant opportunities, bearing in mind any community feedback,” she said.
“Should grant opportunities require co-contribution funds, another organisation other than council would be sought to provide those funds.”
The council’s website points out that it currently lacks the financial position to fund the project, while also advising that it must be “shovel ready” in order to apply for grants.
But Coober Pedy local Rob Dempster blasted the council, questioning why it was focusing on a multimillion dollar upgrade to its drive-in theatre when the council was in financial straits.
“To beautify a drive-in at an expense of $7.5 million is a moment in madness,” the 78-year-old said.
“You can throw things around in the air, but it's the ratepayers who are going to pick up the tab.”
It’s not just the theatre upgrade, Mr Dempster is also concerned about the town’s rising council rates, water costs, and population, which he believes further undermine the viability of the proposed project.
He argues that the council should focus on addressing its existing deficit before considering new expenditures.
“You’re [in debt], you’ve only got 2,000 people in the community, your financial gearing is like the Titanic … it’s sunk,” he said.
Reviewing the council’s plans, Mr Dempster noted that the project’s pricing excludes ongoing service and maintenance costs.
“There’s a lot missing in the council’s presentation,” he said.
“You’ve got management costs, you’ve got maintenance costs, you’ve got service costs, and they’re not included.
“They’re going to establish a garden, well who will be responsible for the maintenance upkeep of the proposed garden? How will the proposed greenery be kept alive during our extreme summer months? Who will pay for the cost of water that would be required?
But council said the upgrade would not proceed unless the “full life cycle cost of the project was evaluated with the resulting decision having no impact on rates”.
The planned upgrade includes a new centralised building, supporting the site’s operations along with community spaces.
Inside there’s a canteen, community kitchen, amenities, indoor projectors and work spaces.
While outside, there are plans for multiple green areas, community gardens and native vegetation.
Established in 1965, Coober Pedy’s drive-in theatre is the last of its kind in South Australia.
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Originally published as Coober Pedy Council proposes $7.5m upgrade to drive-in theatre despite significant financial difficulties
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