An extraordinary council meeting was held on Tuesday where it was decided unanimously that the council would apply to fund the development of a cinema under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

The fund is a federal government initiative to boost social and economic development by funding priority infrastructure for capital projects.

Projects selected should deliver economic benefits beyond the period of construction, provide positive social outcomes, and should support disadvantaged regions.

Other council projects were listed on the agenda to discuss funding opportunities.

They included an agricultural model farm, a playground and sporting facility upgrades.

However, the cinema option was brought forward by Cr Sue McGinn even though it was not listed or on the agenda.

In response, Cr Dean Saul agreed.

“A cinema would be a far better project than the agriculture project on all levels; economic, social and environmental,” Cr Saul said.

“Our people do seek entertainment and it would definitely improve our shire.”

Cr Anthony Patterson believed investment in sporting facilities would be a far better option.

“We have a very good sporting community here and the facilities are rubbish and under resourced,” Cr Patterson said.

“We have an opportunity to bring a disadvantaged community together through football, cricket, soccer and athletics through these funding (NSRF) guidelines.”

The NSRF initiative allows grants of between $10,000 and $10 million, however, grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar for dollar basis. 

With applications for round one funding for the NSRF closing on November 28, Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell asked at the meeting if the council was even ready to make an application.

“Do we have a site in mind and how much will it (the cinema) cost,” Cr Campbell said.

“Who will we (the council) partnership with and where will it be located?”

In response, council general manager David Rawlings said the Council currently does not have much detail regarding the cinema model, including costs.

“We have a commercial operator that has been thinking about it (the cinema), but is not very advanced," he said.

"I really could not give a strong indication of cost."

The NSRF is open to all 700 local government councils in Australia and the funded part of the project must be completed on or before December 31, 2019.

In a press release issued by council, Cr Campbell said: “A cinema for Kempsey has been a community desire for some time; it provides entertainment and a place to meet.

"Many people in the community have raised this with council over the years.

"This federal funding provides an

opportunity to apply for a grant to help get this project off the ground. It is an exciting prospect for our community ...

“There will be considerable competition for these funds with over 700

council organisations alone across the country eligible to apply.

“We will be putting our best foot forward in presenting a case of behalf of our residents and visitors.”