A MULTI-MILLION strategy aimed at rejuvenating the city’s arts facilities was approved at the Hobsons Bay City Council’s last meeting.
The strategy proposes a $5.5 million upgrade for the Altona Theatre, and about $2.5 million for each of the Williamstown Town Hall and the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, as well as improvements to other facilities.
But councillors Mary Ann Lindsay and Carl Marsich said they could not support the strategy.
Cr Lindsay said it had the potential for cost blow-outs, and Cr Marsich said that the facility upgrades were not a priority.
“I don’t feel comfortable with a strategy of potentially $10 million when we have lots of other needy services,” Cr Marsich said.
“Libraries have a higher priority than this … this is not a burning issue at this stage.”
Cr Angela Altair said she was surprised by their response.
She said the council was not advocating spending the money all at once, and that external funding sources would also be sought.
