Megalo’s future dealt cruel blow by Liberal and Greens plot

he Canberra Liberals and ACT Greens have trampled on the plans and reputation of Megalo Print Studio today by forcing a massive delay on the respected arts organisation's relocation to Kingston, ACT Arts Minister Joy Burch said today.

Ms Burch said it was appalling the Greens and Liberals colluded today to suspend work indefinitely on the Fitters' Workshop for Megalo to move in, as the move had now put the organisation's future in jeopardy.

"The Government has spoken to Megalo staff today and they are devastated by what the Liberals and Greens have done," Ms Burch said.

"Their 2012 program, which they had prepared in good faith, is now in tatters because of the political opportunism of the Greens and Liberals. It is clear the only ones looking out for Megalo in this debate is the ACT Government."

Ms Burch said Megalo Chief Executive Alison Alder had written to Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur and leader Meredith Hunter imploring the Greens not to support Mrs Dunne's motion, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Ms Alder wrote yesterday to the Greens saying:

"I am extremely distressed to discover that Mrs Dunne is putting forward a motion in [today's] Assembly which has the potential to delay the Governments decision regarding the relocation of Megalo to the Fitters Workshop in mid 2012.

"You may not be aware that Megalo programs its activities 18 months in advance. In fact we are soon to go through the selection process for our 2012 international, national and local residency program. If the process of relocation is delayed it will put our programming into disarray, causing loss of income, reputation and instability. These comments also apply to our education and gallery programs."

Ms Burch said the Greens and Liberals were not being honest with the community by hiding their true motivations behind demands for more ‘consultation'.

"It is clear that what the Greens and Liberals really want is for the Government to reverse its decision at the expense of Megalo's future. The Government will now consider its options to ensure that Megalo's urgent accommodation needs are addressed."