We refer to the letter Unwanted Bunjil in the News of 28 January and would seek to offer our thoughts on the project which we see as a wonderful opportunity for Casey to become a leader in the arts in the south-eastern Melbourne region.
The basis of the letter seems to be that Casey does not need any additional council offices or additional library facilities, has not sought sufficient public input from residents, has not disclosed how it intends paying the cost of the project and that there is an intention to increase rates to fund the facility.
The proposed project is not simply a library and council office it is a multifaceted complex including an 800 seat regional theatre, a studio space for smaller performances, trade shows, school productions and presentations and local performing arts shows, a regional arts gallery, a 350 seat function centre, a community library, a civic centre and offices and a community plaza.
The council has invited public feedback on a number of occasions and engaged an independent research firm to review the public response to the feedback requests and conduct a telephone survey to determine the level of community support.
In our view the fact that 82 per cent of respondents supported the project is an overwhelming endorsement of the proposal.
The initial proposal approved by the council clearly indicated that the project is to be financed from accumulated savings and loan facilities and will not require any increase in rates.
Based on the projection of jobs created during the construction phase, the fact that the scheme will employ 50 people and provide outstanding facilities for the city’s residents and the arts local community, we strongly support the project.
Jack Simpson,
Cranbourne Lions Concert Band.
