We are not just roads and footpaths and nondescript things.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has agreed to consider an additional budget allocation of $220,000 in its 2019-20 draft operation plan.
The funds would implement and deliver up to five actions in its cultural plan.
Council adopted its cultural plan in September 2018 as a way of showing its commitment to ensuring arts, heritage and culture play a role in the development of the local government area's future.
Cr Rob Turner is a strong supporter of the cultural plan.
He told council's December 12 meeting that culture helps tell "our stories".
"I am encouraging my fellow councillors to support this motion," he said. "We are not actually spending the money but only considering it in the next year's budget.
"The cultural things are what surprises and delights our visitors.
"It makes life a little bit different.
"It means that Port Macquarie has its own sense of place; that we are not just roads and footpaths."
It means that Port Macquarie has its own sense of place; that we are not just roads and footpaths.
- Cr Rob Turner
The $220,000 will be split into five sections.
Some $70,000 will be earmarked for a cultural economy plan which includes engaging a consultant to undertake a cultural mapping process including an audit of venues, people and places.
A further $75,000 will be allocated to the maintenance and implementation of public art with $20,000 going toward conservation and maintenance of existing works and the remainder used to implement new works at the airport.
The $20,000 allocated to cultural development grants would ensure artists and the cultural sector are making, creating new work and supporting creating projects that showcase the arts and cultural sector.
A further $5000 will be used in Aboriginal cultural development programs including welcome to country acknowledgements at the airport and the entrance to council chambers.
The final $50,000 will be used for engagement and design development.
This will help maximise opportunities for the community to participate in cultural activities across the local government area.
A report tabled at the meeting recognised that council currently plays a major role in delivering cultural services across the region and is supported by the ever-growing number of community organisations, events and activities that contribute to ensuring the Port Macquarie-Hastings has culturally connected community.
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