THE public viewing gallery in the Mount Gambier City Council chamber overflowed on Tuesday night as elected members finalised a bid for federal funding for a proposed $40m indoor/outdoor sport and recreation centre.
The audience flowed into an adjoining reception room and more than one councillor remarked they had never seen so many members of the public attend a council meeting – the turnout demonstrating a keen interest in the topic of discussion.
Before members unanimously endorsed the submission of an expression of interest for federal funding, council was presented with a petition signed by over 10,000 people in a show of support for the proposed facility.
“The community steering committee was tasked with gathering 20,000 signatures in 20 days,” committee member Nathan Stratford said.
“Our petition currently stands at 10,030 signatures, showing there is indeed support for the development of an indoor/outdoor sport and recreation centre for Mount Gambier and the wider region.”
Council will seek $20m through the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
“We were very pleased to accept the community petition as a strong show of support for the proposed facility,” Mayor Andrew Lee said.
“Council wants to progress this project for the community, it will be a centre for everyone and we want to advocate for our local community members.
“The proposed project will not proceed in its current form without external grant funding, so in addition to seeking federal funds, council will lobby the State Government to contribute at least $10m as a vital portion of funding for the construction.
“Council will also provide $10m to support the project.”
Council voted for the continued development of a full business case for the building and operation of the centre.
“Council endorsed funding of $80,000 to enable more detailed architectural design, project management, costings and associated work to be prepared to satisfy the criteria of a full business case submission,” Mr Lee said.
An invitation to progress to stage two of the Regional Growth Fund application process may be made in July.
“In anticipation of a favourable outcome, council’s working party will continue and will engage with a broad range of stakeholders in developing the design,” Mr Lee said.
If federal and state government funding is received, it is expected the project will take three years to complete.
