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An ambitious plan to save the Kununurra Picture Gardens at its present location has gone into effect. The Kununurra Progress Association has set itself a massive task of fundraising to purchase half of the block it presently occupies. The association already owns the other half. It is ready to sign a deal with the State Government, which should ensure that the people of Kununurra get to keep a popular part of the town's history and a current source of entertainment throughout the dry season. The Picture Garden's future looked uncertain after the State Government decided to sell off its half when the association's lease over the land expired. |
Long-time campaigner Adam (Maka) Mackay said last week that the progress association had decided to take out an interest-free loan from the Government to buy the land. He said the association would depend on the generosity of the community to pay back the loan. Things are already looking bright with about $10,000 being donated by the now defunct Kununurra Lions Club "Part of the offer is that we pay as much as we can - we've got a bit of money in the bank and we'll make a $25,000 deposit and then we have to make the payments every six months...hopefully, with community support, we'll be able to achieve that sort of goal," Maka said. The full price is $150,000. |
The Picture Gardens will 'sell' one square metre lots to help raise funds. Organisers hope that some businesses will buy 'a car park' or 15 square metres, for $525. Local artist Nadeen Lovell has pledged some of her art, which will be auctioned during next year's Ord Valley Muster. If the Picture Gardens is unable to keep up the payments the State Government has offered to refund payments already made. |