The Express Newspaper 25th March 2015

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EXPRESS The

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Locally owned and proudly independent

TRC acts on theatre lease By Justin Fris

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Partnership highlights success The Mareeba Shire Council has signed on as an official partner for the 2015 Rotary FNQ Field Days. Field Days Chair Ida Portella celebrates the good news with MSC Mayor Tom Gilmore. The Field Days will be held on May 27 and 28 at Kerribee Park, Mareeba. Turn to page 4 for more.

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hespians of Atherton are breathing once again, as Tablelands Regional Councillors voted to finalise a new 10x10 year lease for the Atherton Performing Arts theatre site. In a packed council meeting last week, members of the APA group looked on as councillors voted on their fate. After a tense deadlock between councillors, Mayor Rosa Lee Long used her casting vote, issuing the theatre with an “interim-based user agreement”. Once prepared by council, the duration of the new lease will last ten years, with the APA having the opportunity to extend for a further ten years upon expiration. Cr Peter Hodge received support from Cr Geoff Stocker and Mayor Rosa Lee Long, who used her casting vote to break the 3-all deadlock. Crs Rod Marti, Shaaron Linwood, and Marjorie Pagani had all voted against the alternative motion and were left seething when Mayor Lee Long sealed their fate. The final clause in the motion added that the TRC wouldn’t intervene into any future negotiations on the facility, unless there was a firm agreement between the APA and any other party on relocation. The day was highly charged, with seats at a premium in the room. Residents young and old squeezed in and everyone was aware this was a day like any other in recent times. Tableland Investments presented to councillors initially, with David Scott addressing a number of key points. He said Tableland Investments was keen to look to the future for Atherton; but still acknowledged the sheer wealth of hours that the APA had given to the local community. “We support the role the APA plays,” he said. “We understand that the igloo is their home, but we think that in the long run, relocation could be a win and an opportunity for everyone.” Mr Scott then said he was happy for council to take 12 months to assess all options and still offer the APA tenure during the period, as was suggested in officer report tabled to council. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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