She was part of the council that oversaw the debacle that was the Veolia Arena and its ballooning cost as construction progressed. It was the gift that kept giving. Moreover the council is still forking out money for improvements. Its management has also been an ongoing issue.

But we reckon the council has learnt valuable lessons from that experience. Nobody wants a repeat.

Number one is to do it properly first time. The working party, comprising valuable experience, has worked assiduously to incorporate the essentials, like a fly-tower and orchestra pit. A 400-seat facility will serve us well into the future and save any costly and disruptive modifications down the track.

We must also acknowledge that the original $8.2 million estimate was never realistic. Councillors were open about this at the time.

The question is can we raise the extra money? It is highly likely that the council will tap into the State’s low-interest loans and generate funds from the region’s large companies. Given Goulburn MP Pru Goward’s enthusiasm, she will also bend the State Government’s ear.

However, it is concerning there is no provision for car parking costs, furniture and fittings. On the latter, the working party will seek out grants. 

These aspects need to be firmed up to give greater surety.

It’s a leap of faith but with experience under their belt and $97 million sitting in investments, we think the council can deliver the performing arts centre, without a massive blowout in cost. It has been a long time coming and a much-need facility.

It’s only a matter of time before the old St John’s Orphanage in Mundy St comes tumbling down.

The historic building’s demolition by neglect is a tragedy for the city and heartbreaking for former residents. Monday’s fire was the second in a year, set in suspicious circumstances.

It’s high time the council acted to order the tidy up this site. At the same time, it should not let the owner off scot-free by considering the historic buildings’ demolition. 

Owners need to take responsibility and not run the city’s prized heritage into the ground.