Council moves to reopen cinema
Wednesday June 3, 2009
Cobar’s cinema could be up and running within a matter of months after Cobar Shire councillors declared it a priority at last week’s general meeting of council.
Councillors resolved to allocate $20,000 towards immediate repairs to the building, the amount quoted by director of planning and environmental services Garry Ryman required to have the building to a standard where it can be used.
Cr Gerard Francisco moved the motion to spend the money, saying he was concerned that local youth have nothing to do.
“What are we waiting for?
“I believe we need to spend the $20,000 and get it open to give kids something to do,” Cr Francisco said.
A number of councillors raised concerns that even if the money was spent, it may not guarantee the cinema reopens, with no parties showing interest in running the facility.
Suggestions were put forward including running the cinema as an “annex” to the Youth Centre, or offering it to volunteer groups to hold screenings on a monthly basis.
Cr Michael Cox said he believed it was important to “get the ball rolling”.
“I feel strongly that the town should have a cinema,” he said.
Mr Ryman told councillors that a report would be presented to an upcoming meeting from an architect regarding future upgrades to the building.
“We have come up with three concept
plans for redeveloping the cinema in stages, and those plans should be here next week with costings.
“Those plans could be used for community consultation,” Mr Ryman said.
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