The City of Joondalup is going to burden ratepayers for years to come if it goes ahead with the arts centre
Camera IconThe City of Joondalup is going to burden ratepayers for years to come if it goes ahead with the arts centre Credit: Supplied/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Opinion: Arts centre a costly, unwanted burden

Robert Evans, WoodvaleWanneroo Times

I would like to lodge my deep concern over the City of Joondalup contemplating taking on the full responsibility of building the arts centre and then expecting the City’s ratepayers to fund both this and the long term extensive costs of $100 million-plus to operate the facility for the future.

At no stage should the City contemplate a commercial decision to move on this project that not even the Federal and State governments or a private investor or developer would even consider, given the financial implications and costs.

This proposed centre will never likely be able to support itself and if considered at a later date, then more responsible funding through state or federal government is required as this is a state infrastructure building that would be accessible to everyone in the state.

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Given the present financial and economic times, this project should not be considered as it would leave ratepayers and generations to come with a financial burden that they don’t need.

Other than the fact that the centre will likely be a white elephant that is used by non-paying people outside of the City, Joondalup will be devalued because it will come to be known as the City with one of the highest land rates in Perth because of the arts centre. Many ratepayers are in financial difficulties and also struggle to pay land rates.

To increase this burden at this point will only result in further financial hardship for all concerned.

ROBERT EVANS,

Woodvale