Carnarvon Shire’s plans for Camel Lane theatre comeback hit COVID snag

Carnarvon’s much missed Camel Lane Theatre is hoping to switch the projectors back on with help from the Shire.

The theatre was forced to close amid COVID restrictions and staff shortages, and has remained closed since March 2020. The Shire of Carnarvon has made room in the budget to get the town cinema back up and running, but it hasn’t been an easy task.

“The first step is getting the building and equipment tested and back up to a safe standard,” Shire president Eddie Smith said.

“Then we will train staff to operate equipment and will have the cinema open for business.”

Building and equipment inspections were completed in December, and the Shire received funding from the State Government to upgrade the cinema equipment. However, supply shortages and difficulty in getting a technician to travel to Carnarvon have meant the planned opening for the tail-end of the school holidays has been postponed.

Mr Smith said recent developments in the COVID situation in Perth have cast doubt over the timeline of the project. It could be some time before a grand reopening can be announced.

“We’re going to have a discussion about COVID restrictions, and how that might affect things,” he said.

“It’s all about the next few weeks. If COVID gets to Carnarvon, it could all change.”

“We are very pleased that the community is keen for the cinema to reopen and hope to see strong support from the community once it is reopened.”