And, that could be just too much for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council which is now looking at finding a private sector partner "to help redress the balance".

At last night's council meeting, administrator Garry Payne said the Glasshouse is not "core council business".

“The annual operating cost of around $6 million represents 6% of Council’s budget. This cost means we cannot complete other core business functions within a reasonable time frame. A private sector partnership may help redress this balance,” said Mr Payne.

It was also decided it should be left up to the Division of Local Government, not council to pursue legal action to recover some of the costs incurred as a result of the construction and operation of the Glasshouse.

For the full story: Don't miss Friday's Port News