Deputy mayor calls for consistency in Hamilton arts support
Hamilton’s deputy mayor has called for consistency in decisions surrounding performing arts after council voted to give funding to the Meteor.
Photo: Cory Brown.
Deputy mayor Martin Gallagher has urged Hamilton city councillors to remember their support for the Meteor Theatre when it comes to future arts projects in the city.
The council voted on Thursday to provide the Meteor with extra funds to cover a $26,292 shortfall in money needed for building work.
Surprise costs due to undiscovered asbestos, unforeseen ground conditions and further structural requirements meant that One Victoria Trust was short of funds required to get the theatre back up and running after it was closed for earthquake strengthening and upgrades.
The cash, which is on top of an earlier amount given when the council handed the Meteor to the trust in 2014, would be repaid if other funding applications were successful.
Gallagher was pleased with council’s backing of the theatre, nine votes to four, but wanted consistency in their decision making.
“I don’t want to be glass half empty, but I do remember with intense anger what this council did to Riverlea last year, when you were going to sell by majority vote at the time, the land from under them,” he said.
“They were in tears. Frankly the way the council dealt with that group, in my mind was nothing short of disgraceful.”
Gallagher invited council attendees to join him at Riverlea car park.
“When they’re ready for their fundraising, let’s be consistent.
“I want you all to be consistent in your behaviours to the performing arts in this city,” Gallagher said.
Councillor Mark Bunting said that under normal circumstances he would say “no way” to such a funding proposal.
Photo: Cory Brown.
“But circumstances aren’t normal. We don’t have a Founders Theatre, so I personally think that the council is under-serving the arts community at the moment,” Cr Bunting said.
He was concerned with a comment Cr Angela O’Leary made about the funds required not being a material amount.
“To me, every dollar is a material amount that we do spend. I would hate to see a public council that says oh look it’s only $26,000 in the grand scheme of things.
“That’s a lot of money. I haven’t got that sort of money,” he said.
Councillor Lee Tooman voted against the proposal.
“We don’t want to be seen as the bank where people come to when they’re short of a dollar,” he said.
A decision on a trust funding application to WEL will be made by May 26.
The Meteor is due to re-open on May 19 with One Hill of a Fight.
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