After the proposed special rate on business earlier this year was rejected Local Government Minister Barbara Perry, SCT was required to become self-sufficient, but council has agreed to continue funding of up to $120,000 until June 2010.

General manager Peter Tegart said that was the maximum amount council would give this financial year to keep the organisation afloat.

“During that time we will hold talks with the board to help ‘cut their cloth’ to maintain the operations,” he said.

“We will also work with them to clarify their roles for strategic purposes, for product development and negotiations with government departments for funding opportunities and marketing issues outside the shire.”

Membership and staffing would be other discussions taking place, according to Mr Tegart.

Mr Tegart said there would also be talks with various Chambers of Commerce on how visitor information centres (VIC) would be operated.

Councillors reiterated their commitment to investing in economic and tourism development and to progressive investments and advocacy in tourism-based signage, recreation and cultural facilities, including continuing support through the provision of premises for accredited visitor information centres.

As well as the interim funding issue and the VIC negotiations, the resolution, on the motion of Crs Michael Britten and Paul Pincini, included that the SCT board report to council quarterly on budgets and progress with the strategic initiatives contained in the revised business plan and marketing strategy; that council review its funding position for SCT and the VICs in conjunction with the 2010/11 budget; and to divest council’s or SCT interests in the Sapphire Coast booking system.

Cr Keith Hughes was the sole vote against the motion.