MOUNT Gambier City Council is calling on residents to be informed ahead of an elector survey which will decide the fate of a proposed multi-million dollar sport and recreation centre.
The survey will be distributed to more than 19,000 electors later this month to determine community support for what could be the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history.
The community and recreation hub has secured a $15m commitment from the Federal Government, while council continues to lobby the State Government for matching funding.
Council’s project team hit the streets this week to answer questions about the facility at a variety of pop-up information stalls across the city.
“We have had a great response so far and our information pop-ups will continue this weekend,” community wellbeing general manager Barbara Cernovskis said.
“It seems like people are hungry for information now that we have all the information available – and we have not had all the facts until now,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“Generally what we are hearing is that people either had no idea about the project or they were concerned about funding or thought this would just be a sporting facility.
“Where there were previously gaps in the information we are now able to provide people with facts and figures and when people see the design and the facilities they are walking away really impressed.
“The people we have engaged with have been really positive about the project and the benefits it will have for the broader community.”
Market research company Marketing Solutions has been appointed to conduct the postal survey, which will include a “yes” or “no” voting slip and a return envelope.
“We’re encouraging people to find out more about what is proposed and ask any questions before they have their say in the postal vote,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“The community engagement is not about pushing people to vote yes, we just want people to participate in that survey.
“If a majority of people complete the survey, regardless of the outcome, we will have a fair indication as to what the community wants.
“Our key message is ‘be informed’ – we want people to understand what they are voting for or against.
The survey will be distributed late this month and will be open for three weeks, closing on December 21.
Voting slips will be mechanically processed and council expects to receive the results by mid-January.
“If the majority of the community votes yes, council will submit a full business case submission to the Federal Government by January 24,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“If the community votes no, the project will not go ahead and the $15m in federal funds allocated specifically for the community and recreation hub will be rejected.”
