Councillors lashed out at Campaspe’s handling of the precinct at MRC’s ordinary meeting last week, condemning it as a “disaster” and comparing it to the Titanic.
The wave of comments came as councillors debated whether MRC should provide two representatives for a proposed working group aimed at developing a terms of reference for the future management of the port.
The group, which would also include delegates from Campaspe Shire and Echuca Moama Alliance, will aim to address concerns over Campaspe’s management of the tourism precinct and plummeting visitor numbers.
And would set up structures for future management by an organisation completely independent of the two councils.
“Council recognises they are not the correct body to manage tourism facilities and that there are better opportunities for doing that,” MRC general manager Des Bilske said.
“They can still own their assets, but have it managed in a different manner.”
As part of the motion, council also debated Campaspe’s request for $5000 to help pay for a consultant to assist the group in developing the terms of reference.
And while councillors agreed the port was in dire need of a lifeline, they had one problem – Campaspe Shire.
“I wouldn't want to see that $5000 go to them. I think they've handled it very poorly and I wouldn't give them a cent,” Cr Tony Aquino said.
Cr Gen Campbell highlighted the precinct was solely on Victorian land, making Campaspe Shire the consent authority.
“Campaspe are the commercial operators … it's their land, their set-up, their buildings, they make the decisions,” she said.
“If these people want to pour their money into an alliance, that's fabulous. But it's not for Murray River Council.
“(Campaspe has) already trashed the port and I think we need to move on.”
Sentiments echoed by Cr Tom Weyrich, who claimed councils had no business running tourism operations.
“For me it's not about the money. History shows Campaspe Shire are not able and not capable to run the port,” he said.
“You only have to look at Oscar W's, probably the most iconic restaurant in inland Australia … they let that slip through their fingers. And have a look at the thing from outer space they call the Discovery Centre.
“It is an absolute disaster. Why we would even consider jumping onto the Titanic, I do not know.”
However Cr Geoff Wise disagreed, claiming any investment in the port precinct was an investment into communities on both sides of the river.
“The tourist people on this side of the river are desperate to get bums on beds and the only way to do that is to make great attractions work better,” he said.
Cr Nikki Cohen shared his concerns.
“I personally believe to not be involved would be detrimental to our hospitality establishments on this side of the river,” she said.
“(This is) a one-off, one-year opportunity to try to get the management system right for the port so I definitely support this.”
The motion was lost 3-5 on the casting vote of the deputy mayor.
Campaspe Shire mayor Adrian Weston said they were disappointed MRC had not agreed to contribute funding to the consultancy project.
“I am sure the working group will consider its position at its next meeting,” he said.
