The motion moved that council officers undertake the required due diligence on a number of Bega sites and report to council prior to preparing a detailed submission to Create NSW’s Regional Cultural Fund based on the preferred location.

Bega won out against sites in Eden, Merimbula and Bermagui following a report that suggested council needed to identify a site in order to progress a potential funding opportunity in round one of the fund, the first step in the funding application process.

The consultation pointed to redeveloping the BVRG in its current location or redeveloping it at a new site in either Bega or Merimbula areas, with consequences associated with both options.

The results of the BVRG development survey showed 52 per cent of the 814 respondents, who felt the location would influence their visitation, backed a move away from the current site.

Fifty-seven per cent of those who backed the move preferred Merimbula as the new site, ahead of a different Bega site (28 per cent), Eden (nine per cent) and Bermagui (six per cent).

Four per cent of total respondents were aged 25 or under, 37 per cent between 26-55 years of age and 59 per cent over 55 years of age. 

There were more than 1000 comments made by survey respondents reflecting a broad range of concerns and ideas.

Comments related to accessibility, centrality of the BVRG in the shire, the potential to grow programs and offerings, the use of existing buildings, links with tourism and the potential to attract more visitor numbers. 

In addition to the survey, seven written submissions were received, including the refurbishment of the Hotel Australasia in Eden as a suitable site. However the report found the capacity and ongoing costs associated with the retro fitting of existing buildings, such as the Hotel Australasia, were unknown.

Cr Sharon Tapscott was the only one against the motion.