He said his chamber had applied for $2500 to install Christmas lighting in the main street, "to lift the spirit of business in the town" and spoke about how Dorrigo was coming into its 13^th week of living with fire, smoke and road closures, which were causing widespread anxiety and depressing the town's economy.

"Some days standing in the main street you cannot see the end of the street," he said.

"Some businesses are only making one sale in two days. We're trying to find ways to attract people back.

"I thought it was a very small thing to ask and it's an insult to be told we're only getting $1000."

He particularly objected to the fact that the National Parks Association had been awarded $4000 so the Great Koala National Park team could install audio-visual equipment and refurbish the Urunga Visitor Information Centre.

"The whole thing has just become farcical, the amount this group is getting," he said, referring to the $25,000 Bellingen Shire Council gave them to develop an economic cost-benefit study and the peppercorn rent that they are paying to lease the VIC building from council.

In response, Cr King said fire anxiety was spread across the shire and questioned the quality of the Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce application, which he said had not detailed the cost of the lights.

"Do you understand that it's a small bucket of money that goes a long way?" he asked.

Grants officer Maxine Compton said 18 applications asking for a total of $71,000 had been received and all had been partially funded from the $31,000 available, with none receiving the full amount they requested.

Cr Garry Carter said he had supported the GKNP team taking over the VIC at a minimal rate, because he wanted the building to be open and providing services rather than closed and being a drain on council resources.

He congratulated Maxine and her panel for the process they followed to determine the allocation of funds, but said he would not support the $4000 refurbishment grant.

"I won't support giving NPA $4000 so they can move in and set up. I've never seen a rental system like that," he said.

Cr Desmae Harrison also said she would not vote to give the GKNP more funding.

Crs King, Fenton and Wright-Turner spoke in favour of the koala-focused VIC and said the centre would benefit tourism across the shire.

The motion to endorse the recommended funding allocations was carried 3-2. Cr Steve Klipin was absent and Cr Steve Jenkins arrived late.