Friday, March 29, 2024

Rockhampton SmartHub to close

Rockhampton Regional Council has announced the closure of the city’s SmartHub.

At a meeting this week, Council resolved to cease operation of the SmartHub effective 24 June 2022.

Council says it will now consider all alternative proposals from third parties for a self-managed operation of the facility submitted prior to 1 June 2022.

Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams said the measure was discussed at length in a closed session of the meeting.

“We have been considering the future operations of the SmartHub for some time now due to the difficult budget situation facing Council as a result of reduced grant funding, lower airport revenue and the cost of carting water to Mount Morgan,” Mayor Williams said.

“This was not an easy decision to make, and it involved consultation with SmartHub members and affected staff in recent months.

“In light of all the great work that has been achieved in the SmartHub we are hopeful that this innovative facility can continue into the future under the management of a third party.

“As difficult as this has been, we have a financial obligation to the wider community and the reality is that unfortunately tough decisions will need to be made in the lead up to this year’s budget, and this is one of them.”

The Mayor extended his thanks to the SmartHub staff and all of the members for their dedication over the past five years.

“It is tremendous to see the innovations that the SmartHub and its members have generated during its tenure under Council.”

“I am confident that the members and all who were involved will continue to do fantastic work throughout our region for many years to come,” he said.

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