Shire endorses show deal
Broome was committed as the guest town at the Perth Royal Show this year - five months before lead agency the Shire of Broome had decided if it was financially viable.
In a special council meeting report agenda on March 21, deputy chief executive Paul Martin revealed the Broome Visitor Centre had assured the Royal Agricultural Society in March last year the town was a definite starter instead of submitting an expression of interest as was previously understood.
The BVC did not ask the council if it would like to be involved until August 2013.
"In November 2013 (council) officers liaised with the RAS regarding matters associated with potentially being a guest town," Mr Martin stated.
"When clarification was sought on when would be the deadline for commitment, March was indicated.
"However, what has become clear now is that the RAS was referring to March 2013 (when the BVC had made the commitment) rather than March 2014."
Worried that no regional town would be represented, the RAS recently flew a senior staffer to Broome to discuss options and funding opportunities.
In December 2013, councillors voted to support the event in principle and requested a financial model, including funding, sponsor and stakeholder contributions.
Shire president Graeme Campbell said at the time that costs were expected to be in excess of $200,000 and unless there was "clear and unequivocal support" from key stakeholders it would not happen.
In February this year, the council decided it would become lead agency and authorised up to $10,000 be spent on engaging a project manager to support a steering group developing a business case.
A special meeting was called weeks later when it became clear a commitment had been given by the BVC.
Councillors resolved to make a maximum contribution of $40,000 and requested the display at the Claremont Showgrounds from September 27 to October 4 "be constrained by financial commitments received".
The BVC and the Kimberley Development Commission have been asked to contribute $20,000 towards the project.
The council will also form a working group to drive community sponsorship.
Broome Visitor Centre acting chairman Ryan Gardiner said the BVC accepted the invitation by the Royal Agricultural Society because it was considered a "great opportunity for our 300 or so members and the wider Broome community". Mr Gardiner said the BVC considered how best to move the project forward and approached the council for its involvement in August 2013.
"Since then, the Shire and the BVC have been working together on this project," he said.
Mr Gardiner said the council request to the BVC for $20,000 was "under consideration".
The BVC is funded by annual differential rates from the council and receives commissions from sales on behalf of members.
