$4M TO BUILD ON NORTHERN SUBURB’S ARTS SCENE

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the Federal Government providing $4m to build a new multi-purpose Moonah Arts and Community Centre.

“I presented this proposal to the Prime Minister in mid-March and I’m pleased that she and her government have seen the merits of this exciting project,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“The new centre will be a wonderful addition to the northern suburb’s growing arts scene that already boasts MONA and the Glenorchy Arts and Sculpture Park, and will also double as a meeting space for the community.’’

Mr Wilkie said the announcement follows the Federal Government’s commitment in February of $8.7m for the redevelopment of KGV at Glenorchy and the two projects would deliver a welcome $12.7m boost for the local economy.

“Along with the rebuilding of the Royal Hobart Hospital, these two projects will mean a construction boom in the electorate of Denison and provide jobs just when we need them most,’’ he said. “More people will be in work and their wages will flow into the local community and local businesses which are struggling to keep their doors open in these tough economic times.’’

Mr Wilkie said the KGV and Moonah Arts and Community Centre funding announcements went some way to redress the decades of neglect successive Federal Governments have shown Denison, writing the electorate off as a safe Labor seat.

“It’s not before time that Denison is getting the attention and funding it deserves,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

The Moonah Arts Centre has been running for 20 years and has been so popular with the community it has outgrown its home in the original heritage-listed Moonah Library.

The $4m announced today will go to the Glenorchy City Council and all of the money will be transferred before the end of next month.

The new centre will include multi-purpose community and performance spaces, exhibition areas and a workshop, meeting rooms and kitchen.

“Like the redeveloped KGV sports and community precinct, the Moonah Arts and Community Centre will be a relaxed, family-friendly place for the community to meet,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member of Denison