PERTH City Council has refused to give the Perth Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival and Parade $10,000 – even though the event could add $300,000 to council coffers.
At council’s 28 September meeting, Councillor Janet Davidson’s proposal to increase the $3,400 sponsorship of the event – which drew 100,000 people to the city in 1998 – by $10,000 was refused.
However, at the same meeting council voted to give $11,600 to Artrage which only drew 14,000 to the city last year.
The Pride festival runs from 26 to 30 October and the parade will celebrate its tenth birthday on 30 October.
A staff note to council said increased economic investment in the city would be achieved through the greater numbers of people visiting Northbridge for the festival.
“It is anticipated people will remain in the city after the parade, generating additional revenue for Northbridge traders,” the note said.
“The evening is regarded as one of the busiest nights of the year in Northbridge.”
Councillor Laurance Goodman estimated the event could give a return to council’s parking fund of $300,000.
He said it was not a bad return for an extra $10,000 spend.
“This is a very substantial benefit to our car park fund,” Mr Goodman said.
“We have a car parking business worth close to the revenue we generate from ratepayers.
“Each year this event has brought bigger crowds and I can think of no better way to spend $10,000.”
Mrs Davidson said council gave donations to the annual Christmas Parade and other events.
“There is no doubt at all that this event has proved itself,” she said. “It has become the largest spectator event in Northbridge.”
The councillors voting against the event gave no reason for doing so.
