The decision was made after Councillor Ray Walsh amended a recommendation that the event pay $11,000, excluding GST, in 2022.

The change in payment would be limited to no more than 20 days hire of the centre.

Cr Walsh said the jump to $11,000 was steep and reminiscent of the charges council was handed by the NSW Rural Fire Service for the Rural Fire Fighting Fund.

"It is just a little bit too big a hike in one year, it's probably around about 18 to 20 per cent and sounds a bit like the bushfire brigade charging us," he said.

"The Eisteddfod's future is a little bit uncertain as to what might happen next year and I think we need to give them as much encouragement as possible to make sure that they continue on with this wonderful event.

READ MORE:

Cowra Ladies Probus cancels October meeting due to COVID

Council urges community to have input on draft Civic Square plan

Cowra Presbyterian Church farewells Reverend Stephen Moore

"The Eisteddfod is worth a lot of money to this town in accommodation and food."

Cr Ruth Fagan also praised the boost the event brought to local businesses.

"The Eisteddfod is a really fantastic asset to the community and the whole of council and the residents get involved, including the business chamber," she said.

"I do know that this actually brings a lot of money to town and my experience has been that it's a benefit to a great number of people, including the the talented people that take part."

Cr Bruce Miller agreed the change made perfect sense, given the current climate.

"We do give generous support to the Eisteddfod, but we do all recognise how important it is as a social activity to our town," he said.

"The town benefits greatly from this wonderful event that's been going on for 50 odd years now, so this is something that we need to encourage.

"If it can go ahead we do not want to price it out of existence, so we've got to be really mindful of that."

To ensure the Eisteddfod committee only pays $9000 plus CPI, excluding GST, council will have to make a donation of between $25,000 and $30,000 to the Civic Centre from its S356 expenses budget.

While supporting the donation, Cr Peter Wright said they needed to be aware of where the money came from.

"I think we need to be mindful that there's still a $25,000 to $30,000 donation from the council budget back into the Civic Centre," he said.

"I'm glad that we can support them, but I think we need to realise how the costs are made up and the impact on a function that works long hours."

Send a letter to the editor by filling out the online form below.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: