Debate over Ward Oval facilities
Wednesday April 1, 2009
A Dubbo-based caterer has pulled out of this year’s Cobar Show, blaming conditions in the kitchen at Ward Oval.
Cobar Show Society president Marie Johnson has appealed for Cobar Shire Council assistance in improving the facilities at the oval, and called the charges imposed by council on the show society “unfair”.
The matter was also raised at last Thursday’s general meeting of council.
The show society is required to pay $3,000 to council for the use of Ward Oval for the show, as well as pay for electricity used.
This year council resolved to include cleaning of the grounds, amenities buildings and provision of bins in the $3,000 charge.
Mrs Johnson said she believes the charge is too high, saying other Ward Oval travelling shows are only charged $500 per day for the use of the oval.
However council’s director of corporate services Wally Black said council covers the cost of redressing Ward Oval following the show, repairing damage caused by equestrian events so the oval can be used by local sporting clubs, at a cost of approximately $13,000.
Cr Angela Webb proposed a reduced fee of $1,500 for the show society for this year, however councillors opposed the idea.
“You have to cover costs, and $3,000 doesn’t come close to that,” Cr Michael Cox said.
“The show society charges people to enter, and we [council] pay $10,000 for them to use the
oval,” Cr Gerard Francisco said.
Mrs Johnson has threatened that there may not be a show next year without improved facilities.
“We’ve had enough of lobbying to get a new pavilion at Ward Oval.
“For the years that the volunteers have dedicated to the community and different organisations at Ward Oval, we think it’s way overdue that funding is given,” Mrs Johnson said.
She said the show society originally paid for the pavilions, sheds and shearing shed, as well as the dining room, which reportedly does not meet health standards.
Councillors at last week’s meeting resolved to continue to seek extra funding for a new multi-purpose pavilion.
It was resolved to investigate putting in a further application under the Federal Government’s Rural and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
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