Cr Shields has proposed that the council assist by “trimming fat” and “re-jigging” the City Image branch to focus on a festival.

Well-known Dubbo man Wally Flynn said that if the citizens of Dubbo were passionate about a major festival, they would have to put their hands in their pockets.

“Once it was decided what it is and they show they can make a go of it, I’d put my money up without a thought,” he said.

Dubbo mayor Allan Smith was yesterday unavailable comment on festivals.

Mr Flynn made the suggestion at a public meeting called by councillor Peter Bartley to address Dubbo’s lack of a signature, drawcard festival.

The meeting had great ideas but what stood out was the lack of finances to put behind a major event when festivals in Dubbo do not enjoy that now, Mr Flynn said.

An extra 1 per cent could be levied until the festival committee could stand on its own two feet, he said.

That would equate to an extra $12 to $14 a year, he said, but he acknowledged there would be “strong opposition”.

Cr Shields, who also attended the meeting, said the idea was premature because there was not even a proposal on the table and that if Dubbo had a successful festival it would pay for itself.

“The council would be able to afford hiring administration staff without a rate rise,” he said.

“I’m not against the council giving funding, there are plenty of areas it could source it.

“I would be forced to say no because there are a number of areas where fat could trimmed and make substantial savings.”

People at the meeting pointed to the success of other cities and towns in holding a festival when staff were employed and Cr Bartley identified it as one of the key items to come out of the meeting.

“There was a consensus last night that a festival needed staff - that’s not near a 1 per cent rate rise,” Cr Shields said.

“Re-jigging the City Image branch could find the money for two staff.

“We have a very good City Image branch, (but) it may be the case that we re-assess it and focus on a festival.”

Cr Shields recommended a festival committee seek a “total funding package of Federal, State and local government grants”.