THE transformation of Mount Gambier’s rail corridor has been given a national nod of approval after receiving the highest accolade for urban and regional planners.
The Mount Gambier Railway Lands won the “From Plan to Place” award at the Planning Institute Australia (PIA) National Awards for Planning Excellence in Perth last week, celebrating Mount Gambier City Council’s leading practice in planning.
As the name suggests, the award recognises the implementation of a plan into a successful place for the community.
“It is a great honour to win this award for our community,” Mayor Andrew Lee said.
“We were commended for including the community throughout the planning, design and implementation phases of the project, reflected in the community’s ongoing and enhanced use of the revamped railway lands.”
Mr Lee highlighted the vision of both current and previous councillors in planning the project and for the design and delivery by council staff, including a focus on community engagement.
The project was financially supported by the State Government to the tune of $2m and additional grants were received to include public art that has further enhanced The Rail.
“This project has been recognised as best in class nationally and we are all very proud of this achievement,” Mr Lee said.
The coveted national award win follows its success at the South Australian state PIA Awards for Excellence in 2017, where the precinct was awarded the Planning Minister’s Award, Plan to Place and Great Place awards for the planning and development of the community project.
