City of Mount Gambier, South Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government approval of $15 million under the Regional Grant Fund for the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub project.
Council is in the process of finalising the funding agreement with the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.
Mayor Lynette Martin expressed her delight when Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, announced the final hurdle to secure Federal funds for the $39.1 million proposal has almost been cleared.
“This is the largest grant the local community has ever received and Council would like to acknowledge the work of Mr Pasin for his assistance in securing the funds.”
The Federal funding was conditional on majority community support for the project, as indicated by the elector survey undertaken in late 2018 which returned an overwhelming 71.6 per cent ‘yes’ response from a total of 8,722 survey returns.
The ‘yes’ vote also prompted the State Government to pledge $10 million from the State Regional Growth Fund in January this year to support upfront capital costs for the project.
“Given the amount of work required to ensure Council’s largest infrastructure project can move forward in such a short space of time, the present and former Council, staff and the Community Reference Group have worked hard to do the background work to prepare for the project so that it is ‘shovel ready’” said the Mayor.
Council has endorsed spending of up to $66,000 for an early works package for the Community and Recreation Hub.
Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee Presiding Member, Councillor Ben Hood, said, “This will include a feasibility review into the use of timber as a feature and as part of the structure.
“We’re proud of the local timber industry and feel it’s important to promote and use timber in innovative ways within the hub where possible.”
