North & West Melbourne Association thanks the membership for the responses received. In the light of further information that has recently become available the Committee maintains its level of concern about this proposal. The further information consists of:
- Cost of admission to the event is to be $75-00 per head.
- The target audience is to be 25-30 year age group, plus, and not orientated to youth or families.
- The event is not part of the open day family multicultural activity which is proposed to be on the 14th February 2010.
- Aussie Rock on Arden is a stand alone commercial event proposed for Saturday 20th March 2010 between 2-00pm and midnight.
- The main performers are Jimmy Barnes and John Farnham – chosen to appeal to an older audience.
Whilst the above information is confirmed, the Melbourne City Councillors appear to have only been briefed on this issue at a private meeting at the Town Hall. The matter has not been to a Council committee meeting where normally a detailed report would be available for public scrutiny. The Association is concerned about the process to date.
A number of issues are still unresolved:
- Proper standards for the conduct of the event including, infrastructure protection, public safety and health issues have not been defined.
- The Rock concert is not part of the opening and is actually being held 5 weeks later.
- It is a commercial event and it appears no opportunity exists for local youth to perform.
- Is the event consistent with the lease between the Council and the football club?
- Is State Government approval required for this event.?
- Are the Melbourne City Councillors going to make the decision on this proposal at a public committee and council meeting, or just leave it to the administration?
- What impact will the event have on the grassed surface and other recreation areas and facilities?
- What is the expected attendance of this event and what is the expected impact on the surrounding area?
- Will this event create a precedent for similar events in future years?
- The event appears to have little to do with the Language and Learning Centre or multiculturalism.
- Whilst comments have been made about sharing the profits between the Football Club, Language and Learning Centre and the community, no clear guidelines have been provided for the distribution.