Central Coast Council has welcomed the bipartisan interest from Federal political parties to partner with the community on the proposed development of a performing arts centre for the Central Coast.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said it was a testament to the extraordinary artistic talent in the region that there was such a high level of funding commitment from both sides of politics for a cultural venue.

“As we have seen with the recent opening of The Art House in Wyong, the performing arts industry is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It is great to see both sides of politics acknowledge the significant contribution arts makes to a community and their willingness to support the infrastructure for it to grow on the Central Coast.”

Council notes that today’s funding announcement by Federal Labor refers to the site of the proposed ATO building in Gosford being the preferred site for the performing arts centre.

This week, the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred consideration of the application of the ATO building in Gosford pending receipt of further information.   The panel advised that it expects to consider the matter further, hopefully reaching a determination later this month.