THE State Government is currently in the process of considering Mount Gambier City Council’s proposal for its regional communtiy and recreation hub, Premier Steven Marshall has said.
Premier Marshall hailed Wednesday afternoon’s meeting with Mayor Lynette Martin and council chief executive Mark McShane on the proposed $39.1m facility as “positive and informative”.
Ms Martin and the outgoing Mr McShane met with the state leader at his Adelaide office following the results of the community poll which saw an overwhelming “yes” for the project.
Construction of the project hinges on a $15m State Government contribution to match the $15m earmarked by the Federal Government under the Building Better Regions Fund and council’s $9.1m.
A condition of the Federal Government grant requires council to secure a funding agreement within two weeks.
Premier Marshall said the Liberal Government had a renewed focus on the regions, which included “helping communities build better facilities”.
Ms Martin echoed the leader’s positive meeting sentiments, adding the Premier was aware of the tight deadline regarding a funding commitment.
“I think Mark McShane and I put a compelling business case forward,” she said.
“Council has to have a full business case put forward to the Federal Government by January 24 and Premier Marshall was very understanding of that.”
Earlier this week, Barker MP Tony Pasin said he looked forward to his state counterparts matching the Federal funding.
