2 days ago
Townsville City Council cuts events funding ahead of budget discussions
Retiree Neil Renison has for seven years had the job of growing Townsville's only orchestra, a task he says suddenly feels impossible.
"We've been dependent on council funding throughout the life of the orchestra," the Barrier Reef Orchestra treasurer said.
The orchestra received $50,000 from Townsville City Council last year, a quarter of its annual budget.
But without consultation, the council has capped community grants at $25,000 to stretch available funding.
"We are going to have to find a considerable amount of money and we may have to curtail some of our activities," Mr Renison said.
The ensemble of 60 volunteering musicians exists to provide rare orchestral experiences for regional Queenslanders.
Conductors and directors are paid but musicians are volunteering students, pensioners and professionals.
Townsville City Councillors have been on a year-long mission to cut costs, citing concern for the cost to rate payers.
Some councillors have raised concern for the council's own financial liquidity.
Since the beginning of the council term, rates have increased, parking fees doubled and early-bird discounts halved.
In a decision that was later abandoned due to a lack of consultation, the council voted to put parking meters on the city foreshore.
The grant cuts mean groups that secured $50,000 in 2024 can apply for no more than $25,000 when applications open next month.
Like the Barrier Reef Orchestra, an annual festival celebrating Indian culture received $50,000, as did a Christmas installation and fair.
The events have been running for years and have consistently been attended by thousands of residents.
India Fest secretary Nick Attam was shattered by the cuts, made just weeks before the August event.
"We are a not-for-profit, free event, run by volunteers, just to give back to the community," he said.
Anne Harley, who founded the city's Christmas festival 20 years ago, said she feared for the future of volunteer-run events.
"I can see a real diminishing of community events," the reverend, who wrote to councillors, said.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney stood by the grant decision and defended not consulting the community.
"We can't consult on every single thing that comes through council," Cr Greaney said.
