Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Paula Cristoffanini defends Heart costs amid rising pressures

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president has stressed the local government’s spending on a new management deal for its Heart venue was considered among rising costs pressures and the need to deliver value to ratepayers. Shire president Paula Cristoffanini told the Times the actual cost under the new $1.389 million arrangement would be known when councillors considered it again in November, before Arts Margaret River officially took over the Heart. “The financial information presented to council was modelled by the consultants at a high level, with several estimates and assumptions regarding income and expenditure necessarily being applied to each proposed option,” she said. “More accurate financial modelling will be undertaken as part of the development of the transition plan. “Financial information reflects the cost of responding to community needs and aspirations, addresses sustainability issues, and is expected to yield the highest community impact.” The Arts Margaret River deal was identified as the best outcome by Shire consultants Monica Kane and June Moorhouse. That reported was released in a censored version during last month’s deliberations, and Cr Cristoffanini said the council was required to keep details of the final decision under wraps due to commercial confidentiality and to have further talks with the proposed new managers. “Once Option 3 was chosen by council it was necessary to have the necessary discussions with Arts Margaret River and enter into a formal agreement for the implementation of this option ahead of an announcement,” she said. “I am pleased to report that a Heads of Agreement that establishes how this model will operate has now been signed between the two organisations.” While the Shire indicated the majority of existing Heart workers would be retained, councillors would also be scrutinising those cost arrangements. “The Heart team have worked tirelessly over the past three years to establish and deliver a varied program,” Cr Cristoffanini said. “We should recognise their passion, commitment and professionalism to the Heart and the provision of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for the community.” The Shire president also thanked residents who undertook the scathing consultants’ review which triggered the Heart management change and asked residents to get behind the new model.