The call went out only last week for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the private sector to lease the facilities, but council is expressing its opposition to the privatisation.

Mayor Keith Sullivan said at Tuesday night’s council meeting that he feels Council should oppose the privatisation, and that no change in management is necessary.

“It is well operated and well managed by the people there now,” he said.

Councillors voted to express to the Minister that they do not support the proposed privatisation of Caves House and other accommodation facilities, as they feel that it is an iconic natural attraction that should remain in the hands of the government. Councillors also agreed to point out to the Minister what they consider to be disastrous results of the previous privatisation of the iconic house and facilities, and the extremely difficult and prolonged exercise to cancel the previous lease.

Despite Council’s opposition, it is apparent that the plans for privatisation are going ahead, with the private sector being offered a little under a month to express interest in leasing the historic Caves House and other accommodation facilities.