GRANT District Council has stumped up additional funds to ensure a leading aerobatic pilot will take to the sky for the upcoming Port MacDonnell Bay Escape.
Event organisers secured Australian aerobatics legend Chris Sperou for a show with his Super Stinker biplane.
The local government has upped its financial contribution to help cover the hefty air liability insurance needed by the organising committee.
Committee spokesperson Ryan Cameron this week requested the funding increase at council’s full meeting.
After lengthy debate, the majority of elected members voted to give the green light to boosting its funding commitment by $2000.
Before the increase in funds, council had pledged an estimated $13,000 in donations, sponsorship and in-kind assistance to this year’s Saturday February 22 event.
Speaking in the chamber, Mr Cameron said the committee was “ramping up” efforts to get more people through the gate this year and believed the aerobatic display would be a major drawcard.
“We hope to capture a broader net of people to the event,” Mr Cameron said.
He said the aerobatic plane would fly over the ocean, not the crowd.
The festival organiser said the committee was grateful for council’s ongoing support of the festival.
Deputy mayor Gill Clayfield said the Bay Escape was a major event in the district’s calendar.
“Apart from Generations in Jazz, what other events do we have?” Cr Clayfield questioned.
She said the Bay Escape committee had “gone all out” for this event, which was a “damn hard job to do”.
“I take my hat off to the committee – they are young and enthusiastic,” the elected member said.
But councillors Barry Kuhl and Shirley Little raised concerns council had already contributed significant financial and in-kind support.
Chief executive officer Darryl Whicker said the event stimulated the economy and was marking its 25th anniversary this year.
“They are trying to do something grand and are amateur people trying to do a good job.”
Elected members agreed to the increased funding, but foreshadowed reduced funding in the next two years to offset this year’s increase.
Last year’s event attracted 4000 people and boasted more than 40 stallholders.
