Conservative estimates gauged that about 80 per cent of those in the room appeared to be in favour of the proposed development. The council would have noted this groundswell of support for it.

A lot of passionate speeches were made in favour of it, with many stating that such a facility was long oevrdue here. 

They pointed out that other “mature cities” such as Bathurst and Orange had such facilities already and that it was Goulburn’s turn to step up. 

But the proposal still needs to be approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel and quite a few in the room had concerns about whether what is perceived as a lack of adequate parking in the CBD would be the issue on which the proposal is sunk.

The project is too important to be sunk on parking grounds and if it is – there goes the $1m in federal funding already pledged for it as well.  

It is hoped the independent study by Upper Lachlan Shire Council will assist the council in proving that parking is not the immense issue that some think it is. 

On this, Goulburn Mulwaree’s growth, strategy and culture director Louise Wakefield reassured the room that: “Upper Lachlan planners are assessing it independently and so far there has been no knock back from them on it” despite suggestions from some that they had. 

That said, council representatives at the meeting emphasized they are conscious that parking is the main issue emerging in opposition to it. They said that 650 car parking spaces are available within 200m of the McDermott Centre and the city appears to cope well enough when other events are on in Belmore Park such as Carols in the Park, which brings thousands into the CBD.

The council is also trying to make more connections between existing car parking spaces in Cartwright Square and Ellesmere Street though to the main street. This will help. Many also said they have no problem parking a few hundred metres away and walking the five minutes to it. They also said having it in the CBD would mean taking in a meal or drink either before or after the show. 

This would bring in more income to the CBD, not detract from it. Someone also asked what about the available car parking space behind the former Huntley Arcade? This is maybe another parking area that could be considered by the council?