Public comment was sought on a multi-cinema complex being developed, originally the recommendation was the Banquet Hall, however, after the public support for Cascades this was amended allowing Cascades to be an option for re-development.

Cascades owner Beverley Mansfield disclosed that she had to close the theatre due to illness, but is in the process of negotiating with a potential buyer.

“Perhaps Cascades can be re-developed to a twin theatre to make the cinema economically viable to today’s standards for new releases,” Moree Plains Shire Councillor John Tramby said.

“Cascades provided a wonderful service for many years, we’d like to see it reopened in whatever form is deemed appropriate,” Rising Sun Film Society president Cameron Fearnely said.

“Why spend large amounts of money when there is an existing cinema, it’s a shame to throw away a good venue,” Moree Youth Council representative Jake Newman said.

“I would love to see live productions in Moree, we definitely need a theatre to do this. We’re often searching for venues, what is currently in town is not suitable for numbers and seating. The Cascades has ticket booths, wings, a fabulous stage and dressing rooms,” Moree Arts Council president Maureen Hickson said.

Mrs Hickson is planning to bring some live productions to Moree including the opera ‘La Boheme’ in April, with a 10-piece Orchestra and Peter Cousens of Phantom of the Opera.

Mrs Mansfield has agreed to open the theatre at this stage to house the arts council performances and potential school Christmas concerts.

A clean up is necessary to reopen the theatre for concerts, volunteers are welcome please contact the Arts Council if interested.

“A cinema is an integral part of any community, young and old,” Cr Tramby said.

“The council needs to be involved in promoting cultural pursuits for the town, live theatre and cinema.

“We have a nice theatre in Cascades, both for live theatre, cinema and good acoustics, so if we can have that re-developed through private enterprise to a standard that the community require it, it’s a win, win for all,” Cr Tramby said.