It was a chance for those opposed to the proposal to show strength in numbers and air their concerns but it was also an opportunity for supporters to justify why the cinema should go ahead.

Kempsey Shire Council general manager Craig Milburn, Cr Anthony Patterson and Cr Mark Baxter responded to the objectors and presented the case for economic progress and development.

Cr Baxter declared the night a “good healthy debate”.

“They’re very annoyed that council is giving $2 million to a private corporation. But this is not unusual, it happens all over the country. Governments often offer support to private corporations to kick the economy along,” he said.

Cr Baxter told the Argus Kempsey has subscribed to the free market approach for decades and it hasn’t worked.

“We’ve adhered to the right wing economic approach of the Liberals and Nationals – they believe governments should not enter and interfere with the market, and we’re the fourth poorest region in NSW. The valley has been neglected for years because it’s a safe seat politically. So now we want to try a left wing approach and invest in the future of the valley to stimulate economic growth and attract businesses and people. We’re taking the long-term road rather than focussing on the $2 million. After all these years of letting the market take care of itself we’re over it. We’re going to start backing business and encouraging economic growth. There is a time for the government to step in and help and that is what we’re trying to do. You either want to stay fourth poorest in the State or you want to change it. The potential is there but you’ve got this push back mentality,” he said.

Mr Baxter said at the last census the shire had 6000 people with an income under $500.

“The poverty line is $475. We’re morally obliged to do something about it.”

Mr Baxter said council intended to get its share of the $3 billion the state government has at its disposal from the sale of the “poles and wires” electricity assets.

“The valley’s GDP is $1.2 billion.

“The council’s expenditure is $75 million. Throwing $2 million at a business that’s going to generate a multiplier effect as far as income and attracting people is worth the spending,” he said. 

On the State Government’s dollar for dollar grant scheme, which requires councils to match amounts of funding being applied for, Mr Baxter said the antiquated system needed to be changed.

 “It’s preferential to rich councils who get the lion’s share of funding because they can afford it. Poor council’s miss out – it’s absurd. Never has there been this amount of money available to regional councils yet we are hamstrung by this dollar for dollar nonsense,” he said.