Debus gives funding boost to Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
August 31, 2007

A Federal Labor Government would fund the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to the tune of $1.8 million.

Bob Debus, Federal Labor candidate for Macquarie, said today that a Rudd Labor Government would support the funding application currently before the Federal Government. The Blue Mountains City Council has applied for a Commonwealth grant of $1.8 million to fund construction of the cultural centre.

“A Rudd Labor Government would not hesitate to support this funding application,” said Mr Debus.

“This is a fine example of the sort of community project that the Commonwealth Government should be supporting.

“The benefits to Blue Mountains residents and visitors will be long-lasting. This magnificent building will be a focal point for bringing people together through community activity and the promotion of the arts.

“I am proud to have been a champion of this great project from the start. As State Member for the Blue Mountains, I was gratified to deliver funding of $6.4 million.

“If elected as the Federal Member for Macquarie, I would be even more gratified to deliver Commonwealth funding of $1.8 million as well.”

The cultural centre is a joint project between the Blue Mountains City Council and the State Government. It marks the final stage of the decade-long multi-million-dollar program for the revitalisation of Katoomba, jointly funded by the NSW State Department of Regional Development and the Blue Mountains City Council.

Other projects have included the refurbishment of Echo Point, the façade improvement program in Katoomba Street, the renovation of Katoomba Station and the creation of the town square at the front of the Carrington Hotel.

Simon Crean, the Shadow Minister for Trade and Regional Development, said Federal Labor was proud to support this community priority as a partner in development.
“Bob Debus has championed this project from the early days and has given the concept his full support,” said Mr Crean.

“This is project is a great example of the benefit of entering into partnership with other levels of Government to achieve a significant benefit for regions.

“Federal Labor is committed to sustainable regional development and we will support local solutions which stack up.”

Mr Debus said the community had welcomed the cultural centre’s ecologically sustainable design, which included storm-water retention, recycling and passive solar design. He congratulated the project partners, advisory committee, architects and all other participants for their vision and perseverance in bringing the project to fruition.

“Great communities are marked by active, caring residents,” said Mr Debus.

“The high level of debate and exchange of ideas during the life of this project is a reflection of strength of the community and the connection people feel to this unique region.

“This magnificent building, inspired by its World Heritage landscape, will become an icon of the Mountains and serve us for years in the future.”