PROJECTED operating costs and the viability of a 50 metre indoor pool were among the topics discussed at a public information session about Mount Gambier City Council’s proposed sport and recreation centre on Wednesday night.
Council chief executive Mark McShane dispelled “myths” about rate increases and highlighted the need for an indoor sports facility given the city’s alarming obesity level.
Mr McShane also revealed City Council would approach its Grant District counterpart seeking a funding contribution towards the $39.1m hub.
The evening information session was part of council’s extensive ongoing community engagement ahead of an elector survey which will decide the fate of the infrastructure project.
“We are conducting these information sessions in a variety of formats to attempt as best as we possibly can to inform the community and respond to questions in regards to the community and recreation hub proposal,” Mr McShane said in his address to the small crowd at Mount Gambier City Hall.
“The popups and displays at a range of locations have been well received and we have spoken with more than 1500 people during the past week.
“All electors in the city will be able to vote on this and we encourage everyone to seek information about the project and cast their vote to determine if it will go ahead.”
Mr McShane said capital and operating costs for the project would be absorbed within council’s current rate structure.
“I am getting really frustrated with the myths around this so I will make it very clear – your rates as they currently are will not change.
“We are not charging an extra 20 or 50 bucks to fund this project.
“Council has rated over the past five years at 4.5pc and council will continue to apply the same rate increase of 4.5pc – there is no other increase in rates specifically to fund the community and recreation hub.”
Mr McShane said City Council would seek a $1m contribution from Grant District Council to assist with the capital cost.
“Grant Council has received two presentations from our council about the hub and now we will be ‘shaking the tin’ so to speak,” he said.
“Grant District residents will use and benefit from this facility and council will formally seek a $1m contribution.”
Mr McShane said the design of the facility had considered the future needs of the community.
“We do have some issues here – our level of obesity is 10pc higher than the national average and 35pc of people in Mount Gambier are classified as obese,” he said.
“Our level of inactivity as assessed by the National Heart Foundation is 75pc – three out of four people recognise they are inadequate in terms of exercise.
“This facility will be vital in terms of health and access to year round indoor facilities.”
Mingbool farmer Rob Hodges was among the crowd and expressed his support.
“Congratulations on what has been done so far, I think the way this has been presented is outstanding,” Mr Hodges said.
“Council has done a terrific job in putting the proposal to the community so we can understand it.
“I am a long-time supporter from the aquatic side of things, we need an aquatic facility 12 months of the year.
“I think the benefits to the community could be enormous and of all the projects council has completed in the last 10 years, I have no doubt this will be by far the most utilised facility.”
Mount Gambier resident Des Horrigan echoed similar sentiments.
“This will be fantastic for my grandchildren and great grandchildren,” he said.
“It will certainly benefit the wider community and I expect it will be the most used facility council has ever built.”
