By JOLENE OGLE
FOUNDER of Eco Tourism Noosa Bruce Creswell has questioned Noosa Council’s handling of the Butter Factory management review.
Mr Cresswell made a submission to council asking to install and run a history and environment focused information centre for locals and visitors in the factory, but his submission was snubbed in the final recommendation to council.
In the report to council’s Infrastructure and Services Committee, council staff recommended a “hybrid” community management model where the Lower Mill Board would be responsible for the operation of the Butter Factory and U3A and the Centre for Ceramic Excellence would be anchor tenants.
The recommendation appeared to divide Noosa councillors with Mayor Noel Playford and deputy mayor Bob Abbot both disagreeing with the proposed plan, while Cr Frank Pardon said he thought the interpretation centre was “the best submission” and the most “innovative”.
Not included in the proposed management model was Mr Cresswell’s submission of an interpretation centre, with the report citing numerous issues with the application including significant establishment and running costs, a lack of arts focus as per the community’s request and a need for the support of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation organisation (NBRF).
Following the recommendation Mr Cresswell made a complaint to council after which Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel said an error was made and support from the NBRF was not needed.
Mr Cresswell said the other issues raised with his submission were also unfounded.
“The reasons given (for the rejection of his submission) have no substance, as evidenced by the comments about requiring Biosphere approval,” he said.
“The evaluation of my submission does not substantiate any of the claims.”
Mr Cresswell said claims the establishment and ongoing costs of an interpretation centre would be significant were just not true.
“An interpretation centre imparts knowledge. If we were to put together an exhibition, it would cost between $3000 and $5000. Is that expensive?” he said.
“The problem here is council staff appear to have made a subjective comment to dismiss this. It is not fact and the consultant or council members need to elaborate on their statement.
“The planned $80,000 for the Lower Mill Board would cover up to five major exhibitions in our interpretation centre plus buy 50 notebooks for displays.
“We are not planning to mount lunar modules, nor are we planning any infrastructure. On the contrary, we have a portfolio of ideas for interesting but low-cost ways we can shape or utilise existing structures with soft materials.”
Mr Cresswell said his submission was also the only one that planned to “break even” within three years, with no council funding required after that time, a part of the submission he said was ignored.
There is also a focus on the arts, according to Mr Cresswell, who said he planned to establish an arts fund once the centre was financially established.
“We have indicated that when we become self-funding, we will set up a community support fund for the arts,” he said.
“For the community, we are handing over the entire Butter Box are with ideas of using the space more effectively and usefully as a mini-auditorium for stage performances, painting, seminars and so on.”
Mr Cresswell said he last met with council staff on Friday and said he was hopeful of a “favourable” outcome.
