NARACOORTE Lucindale Council will submit an initial application to the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund seeking $12m to support its Driving Growth, Linking Industry project.
Mayor Erika Vickery said the $24m project would transform Naracoorte into a commercial and industrial hub.
“The project will transform Naracoorte and surrounding areas by providing support for existing industries, allowing them to innovate and flourish,” she said.
“The project takes advantages of the region’s natural economic strengths.
“It will drive significant, sustainable development and growth and deliver significant benefits to the region by creating jobs and flow-on benefits.”
The fund is the same pool of money Mount Gambier City Council will apply for a $20m portion of to help fund development of a $40m indoor aquatic and sports centre.
The Naracoorte project aims to create linkages across the heavy vehicle network serving the central and upper Limestone Coast agricultural sector and construct a community centre, which will include the library service.
Key road infrastructure and intersections will be constructed and upgraded, establishing a network of routes suitable for larger vehicle configurations and allowing access to undeveloped industrial land.
The construction of a community centre will support community growth and wellbeing and increased support to the town’s migrant population, providing a key learning, social and service centre.
“The project supports council’s commitment to supporting the growth of Naracoorte as a major business and industrial centre in the Limestone Coast, as well as being a welcoming community and an attractive place to live and work,” Ms Vickery said.
The application seeks $12m from the fund, with the council committing up to $12m to the project.
Council’s contribution will be spread over the four year scope of the project and includes elements already outlined in council’s strategic plan, economic development plan and structure plan.
Council’s commitment consists of its own funds from capital works budgets/loans and private and State Government contributions.
If successful, planned projects will be progressed far more rapidly.
Approximately 139 jobs would be created in the Limestone Coast during the four year construction phase.
Post construction, 275 direct long-term full-time equivalent jobs will be created in the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area.
Selection of projects will be undertaken in two stages by the Australian Government.
If successful at stage one, council will be required to submit a full business case and detailed application.
