Mayor Message - Reducing Operating Costs - Cr Liz Schmidt

Late last year Council commissioned a third-party audit into the operations of several Council run facilities.

The audit revealed that the World Theatre and the Visitor Information Centre were not financially sustainable long term.

We understand that these facilities are important to the community and visitors, however, costs are enormous for the community even with the very valued support of our volunteers.

It is unreasonable to expect ratepayers to foot the bill for facilities that are underutilised by the community.

Council has decided to change the way we operate these facilities, which is essential to reduce costs to the community.

From the 2nd of March, the Theatre and Information Centre will have reduced operating hours and services offered.

The Visitor Information Centre will now be open 5 days a week with a half day on Saturday. Tourism bookings and the sale of souvenirs will be outsourced to local businesses.

The World Theatre will be open Friday through to Sunday. For special events and school holidays, Council may look to open the World Theatre for extended hours.

By reducing the opening hours, we can save hundreds of thousands of dollars on operating costs and ensuring the long term sustainability of the Council.

Council staff have been advised of changes and have the opportunity to continue to play a valuable role within Council, with no redundancies. 

Another review will be undertaken in 2020 to evaluate the outcome of these changes.

- Mayor Liz Schmidt

OGG 1 March 2019