Grant District elected members will vote to allocate $423,450 to seven projects, including upgrades to the Yahl Playground Area, an Airport Museum and the first stage of a shared path from Tollner Road to Cafpirco Road at next week’s council meeting.
Council staff have recommended $110,500 of the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program be used on a 630m stretch from Tollner Road to Crafter Road.
In a report, chief executive Darryl Whicker said the project would leverage from the body of work from Mount Gambier City Council and provide direct benefit to residents of a nearby and expanding sub-division.
Almost $85,000 has been nominated to reposition and renew the existing Mount Gambier Airport for a future Airport Museum, with Mr Whicker noting costing would be undertaken by airport management and may need to contribute some funds from airport capital budgets.
Councillors will also consider a $60,000 allocation to the Yahl Playground Area, including beautification works and the construction of toilets and shelters.
Staff has also earmarked $40,000 for beautification and amenity on the Carpenter Rocks foreshore area, $22,000 for shelter, table and foreshore works, $56,000 on a sprinkler system at Tarpeena Oval and $50,000 to build a modest lined shed at Donovans for community use.
The funding, which is part of the government’s economic stimulus measures designed to help communities battling the effects of COVID-19, must be additional to council’s existing work plan and budget and must deliver benefits to the community.
Council staff have recommended elected members consider the inclusion of a small grant program in its COVID-19 care package, citing significant downturn in coastal businesses – with some losing up to 50pc of annual income.
“Council’s biannual community grants program could be extended to tourism businesses that were forced to close or drastically change the way they operated due to COVID-19,” a staff report said.
“Small grants of $2000 to $5000 for tourism operators to apply for dollar for dollar projects could assist in restarting our visitor economy, especially during the low season and as JobKeeper phases out.”
At Monday’s meeting, councillors will also consider to fly the rainbow flag as part of Adelaide’s Feast Festival from November 7 to 29 in a show of solidarity and support for LGBTIQ+ communities.
Council has previously resolved to fly the rainbow flag during the 2018 Feast Festival.
Council will vote on the recommendations at Monday’s meeting.
