THE landscape of Tenterfield tourism transformed in the blink of an eye last week as six councillors voted to seize control of the towns visitors centre.
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In the name of ‘promoting a unified brand’ council put forward a rescission motion to take control of the centre.
The motion suggested that council would take over the premises in July 2016 – but their time could come sooner.
The Tenterfield and District Visitors Association have said they will vacate the premises by July 31.
“Our Committee does not intend to babysit the visitors centre for a further 12-months while council draws up its own management plans and budgets in relation to the daily operation of this visitors centre,” a letter from the TDVA committee says.
How council plan to run the centre is unclear.
No council funds have been set aside and they are yet to table a business model.
One councillor suggested that they “may have to forgo something in the 2016/17 budget” to help get things running.
“Here we are with the most important thing in town with tourism… I’m concerned this (decision) will affect council big time. I have grave concerns,” Tenterfield mayor Peter Petty said.
Tenterfield Shire Council general manager Lotta Jackson has few answers at this stage and said finances would need further discussions.
“Council has already signed and sealed the one year agreement and asked the association to do the same,” Ms Jackson said.
“Any changes to the 2015/16 budget will have to be brought back to council for resolution.”
Ms Jackson said she’d yet to receive any formal correspondence from the TDVA regarding their early pull-out.
Cr Brian Murray has foreshadowed a rescission motion against council’s takeover.
Behind the scenes, Cr Murray has been asked by the TDVA not to forge ahead with the rescission motion.
The public were greeted with a chairless gallery and two council rangers overseeing the proceedings last Wednesday.
During the council meeting two guest speakers were provided five minutes to sell their respective cause.
Tony Pearson from the Killarney and District Historical Society was drafted in by Cr Gary Verri.
Mr Pearson, who operates tours into Legume and Urbenville, spoke of the lack of attention focused on the northern end of the Tenterfield shire.
After the meeting Mr Pearson said he was startled by what he witnessed.
“I think they (TDVA) have lost focus on tourism. Standing in the gallery I could hear the sneers, snickering and rudeness.
“I was surprised that the mayor had to bring the meeting to order twice… it was appalling,” he said.
Cr Murray said the six councillors who were supporting the motion had ‘acted in total contempt of the community’.
The TDVA have begun selling items from the centre and will further discuss what they do with the $90,000 they currently hold in the bank.