Southern Free Times - 24th December 2020

Page 1

Wednesday, 23 December, 2020

0408 457 496 Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

12460238-NG36-20

A Star News Group Publication

53 Fitzroy Street, Warwick Qld 4370 www.helenharm.com

Drags funding

Emu Swamp latest

Garden Time with Beatrice

What’s in the diary

PAGE 3

PAGES 4-5

PAGE 27

PAGE 30

Gallery deferral By Jess Baker Plans to build a new art gallery in Stanthorpe have been put on hold, with Southern Downs councillors voting to defer approval of consultancy services in their meeting last week. It was recommended that Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) approve Elia Architecture to prepare and present a business case for the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery (SRAG), but Cr Cameron Gow moved to have the decision deferred until a new Director of Corporate and Community Services is engaged. “I understand there was some work done in relation to shifting the library in the last term,” said Cr Gow. “We have a new director starting and (this project) will fall into their gambit ... (the director) can have a look at (the project) ... also taking into account there has been work done ... “ Mayor Vic Pennisi clarified Cr Gow’s move, and asked if he was suggesting that “if there’s no need to make a decision today, we (Council) wait for the new person to come along”. Cr Gow agreed, and all councillors voted in favour of deferral. Elia Architecture submitted a written quotation of $131,120 for consultancy services and Council has allocated $70,000 to the project so, if Council approves the architecture group, it will have to identify an additional $61,120 to deliver the business case. Should Council officers be unable to find the additional $61,120 needed to fund the project, the project would not proceed. The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery website states a new gallery is necessary not only to facilitate courses, classes, and new works, but also to minimise health and safety risks.

“The collection has grown considerably and there is not sufficient wall or cabinet space to exhibit it as well as show other exhibitions at the same time,” reads the SRAG website. “The one and only room downstairs is too small for the courses and classes that people want to go to. “The storage area for our very valuable collection is way too small and poses an extreme fire risk as it contains all the electrical switchboards for the building. “There is also a risk to works while moving them in and out because of the confined and congested space.” The SRAG website states that Council has “made it quite clear” to the art gallery committee that it will rely on federal and state grants to fund the design and construction of the new gallery, and will not take money from drought relief “or other very important funding for our community”. “The gallery under its strategic plan is committed to being a viable and sustainable economic organisation,” reads the website. “For its part, the art gallery management committee has agreed to add up to $250,000 to the funding pot.” Some have criticised Council’s decision to spend money on a new art gallery, saying it should instead focus on Stanthorpe’s water supply issues. In response, SRAG has stated that a new gallery would bring more tourists to town and be “an investment for the future”. “Water security is very important and fundamental to the livelihood of this community. “But planning for the future is also really important.”

· MORE

Merry Christmas to you, from the ‘SFT Team’ ... The Free Times team, which includes editor Jeremy Sollars, distribution coordinator Kay Politch, Warwick sales executive Lisa Crouch and journalist Jess Baker (pictured) and Stanthorpe sales executive Samantha Wantling wish our valued readers and advertisers a happy and safe festive season - FOR CONTACT DETAILS DURING THE BREAK – SEE PAGE 2

COUNCIL NEWS, PAGES 6, 8.

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It’s FREE freetimes.com.au/subscribe

AQUA RURAL SUPPLIES

12460008-SN36-20

4681 0355 | Walsh Drive, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380

OLSEN’S SUPPLYING THE SOUTHERN DOWNS & GRANITE BELT REGION WITH THE BEST FRESH PRODUCE

The Sheds Other Sheds Wish They Could Be

Specialising in Commercial, Industrial and Domestic Sheds QBCC1197750 NSW237076c

Made from Bluescope Australian Steel Full service - Slab, Erection & Councils

OPEN

Servicing the Warwick Stanthorpe | Tenterfield districts

Phone the Office on

07 4661 9835 warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au

GO WHERE THE TRADIES GO

Mon - Fri: 7am – 6pm Sat: 8am – 4pm | CLOSED SUNDAYS FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

48 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK Ph: 07 4661 3900 12476865-DV52-20

P: 4661 9871

Find us in Rose City Shoppingworld opposite Coles

12459969-DL36-20

12461827-CG38-20

12469654-JW46-20


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Southern Free Times - 24th December 2020 by Star News Group - Issuu