Another U-turn

By Casey Neill
COMMUNITY pressure has forced a $2 million federal government back-flip over Burrinja Gallery’s performing arts centre development.
Following intense media scrutiny, Regional Development Minister Anthony Albanese last week announced a funding review of the project.
The Upwey gallery was left in limbo when the new Labor government announced it would not commit to spending agreements made by the previous Liberal government.
As part of last month’s 2008/09 federal budget the government announced that Regional Partnerships program projects which did not have formal contracts would be scrapped, placing the Burrinja development in jeopardy.
However, last week the government announced it would reassess 86 of those projects.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Noel Cliff said community outcry caused the change of heart.
“It took a real prod from the community to make them wake up,” he said.
Burrinja executive officer Ross Farnell said he was relieved they would not have to re-complete the application process for the funds.
“It would have been hugely onerous on the organisation and our community to start the whole process again,” he said.
“This way we get to start from where we left off. We’re very happy.”
Mr Farnell said funding for the Glenfern Road project was almost certain.
“But, given our previous experience, we’re not counting our chickens before they’ve hatched,” he said.
“It’s not over till it’s over.”
The Howard Government announced it would fund part of the new 400-seat auditorium and upgrade of current Burrinja facilities under its Regional Partnerships program last August.
The $2 million contribution was in addition to $7.6 million in state and local government funding.
Mr Albanese told the Mail last month that an independent National Audit Office inquiry had found the scheme was maladministered.
“It is clear from our discussions with community groups and local councils that many were led to believe that funding agreements had been finalised with the previous government,” he said.
“This has placed community groups in a difficult situation where many have spent their meagre resources to start work.”
Mr Albanese said the project organisers would now have until 31 July to complete contract negotiations.
“In addition, they will be required to meet strict timetables and requirements to begin construction,” he said.
“This is to ensure they are sustainable and genuine projects.”
Although welcoming the decision, La Trobe MP Jason Wood criticised a lack of certainty for the 86 applicants.
“This brought a great deal of relief to the local community in Upwey until they were advised of the fine print,” he said.
“The Government will now consider these projects but there is still no guarantee.”
National Party leader Warren Truss said Mr Albanese must immediately release a list of the eligible projects and detailed explanations of why they were chosen.
“Funding should also be topped up to cover increased costs incurred by communities through the unnecessary six month delay,” he said.
The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program will replace the Regional Partnerships program from next year.
Its structure will be decided following a public inquiry.