PORT Stephens Council has agreed to crack down on ‘misuse’ of local halls, public venues and any other facilities that can be potentially booked for private functions or events.

In an urgent motion brought to Council at their most recent meeting, Cr Giacomo Arnott asked that a standard be enforced that such venues be used only by individuals or groups that “promote positive civic engagement and whose use of the building is not inconsistent with Council’s values and which does not bring Council into disrepute”.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

While it was noted that there were a number of bookings that have been received that are already known to be in conflict with this policy, no group or individual was specified.

What was made clear was that moving forward these bookings would be required to clearly explain their use for the facility in question, and it can be assumed that bookings not meeting this criteria will be cancelled.

While speaking briefly with regards to the motion, Cr Arnott mentioned for the benefit of anyone caught by this policy that if they could not be in alignment with Council values “perhaps your function is best held at a private venue”.

The motion was carried unanimously.

By Lindsay HALL