The Beyond the Trapdoor shop owner said that although the board worked well for 15 years, it was not proactive and responsive in taking on promotional opportunities.
‘Even though everyone on the board was very dedicated, they were there on a voluntary basis,’ Ms Tan said.
‘Often members couldn’t attend meetings or make decisions, which slowed everything down. Personally, I believe this is a very positive change for Subiaco.’
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READ NOWCity of Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said disbanding the Pro Subi board was a mutual decision between the organisation and the City two months ago, as the board was unable to deliver on some conditions in its contract and constitution.
‘The board was unable to vote for the structural plan which was supposed to be done by March,’ she said.
Mrs Henderson said the City had brought Pro Subi executive secretary Annaliese Doesburg under its umbrella and would work with her to develop an alternate model as soon as possible.
‘In the meantime, Pro Subi is still functioning and its services will be very much the same as they were under the board,’ she said.
Pro Subi will continue to be funded by the compulsory CBD business rate levy, which totalled more than $600,000 in the past financial year.
Former Pro Subi vice-chairman Garry Mann said it was a mistake for the Subiaco council to make Pro Subi an in-house operation.
‘The board was comprised of local business people who are face-to-face with clients and customers on a daily basis,’ he said.
‘It’s in their interest to produce campaigns that work ” their livelihoods depend on it.’
Ms Tan said it was unfair to prejudge how the City would handle Pro Subi.
‘I believe they will continue to consult with the community and build focus groups for particular initiatives,’ she said.