Cr John Wilson asked additionally for the council to send a letter of appreciation to the Visitor Information Centre volunteers who had resigned since Lifetime Connect took over the lease 12 months ago.

He said he had a number of concerns regarding the 12-point list of undertakings made by the tenant (Lifetime Connect).

“It was not disclosed that people who are on a particular system (such as Newstart) are there as office staff … this is concerning,” Cr Wilson said.

Crs Brian Finlayson and Janine Reed agreed.

“This policy is silent as to what should happen to the centre. It is pretty dysfunctional down there and there are competing reports as to how useful it is,” Cr Finalyson said.

Cr Reed said that referrals to accommodation businesses had all but ceased or were selective.

“This is having an impact on businesses, particularly in the Nambucca area,” Cr Reed said.

How the VIC tender process unfolded

Nambucca VIC is a hub for many

Cr Anne Smyth said that with hindsight the council might have decided differently.

“We’re stuck with this lease for now but I think the fact that people are volunteering there and being given skills that can open the possibility of employment is a good thing,” she said.

Cr Rhonda Hoban said the Tourism Association had developed alternative ways to be seen, such as the new mobile trailer.

“This might be an improvement on having the centre because they can take it out to events,” Cr Hoban said.

Taking tourism to the people