MOUNT Gambier City Council remains committed to delivering its $39.1m Community and Recreation Hub project despite a shift in focus to address the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project remains in a live tender process and council yesterday moved to reassure the community a clear idea of the construction time frame remained in place.
However, chief executive Andrew Meddle said the tender process may be extended due to impacts of the coronavirus.
“Given the current environment this may take longer to resolve than originally anticipated as the operating environment has changed so significantly,” Mr Meddle said.
“Council continue to work with potential contractors to secure a project ready for delivery as a potential part of our recovery from COVID-19.
“There is no doubt that a project of this scale will provide significant benefits to local contractors and the broader economy.”
Mr Meddle said council was constantly needing to adapt its infrastructure program to a “shifting landscape”.
“This means there is an increased need to responsibly monitor any change to the risk profile of all projects, whether they be small or large,” he said.
“These are unprecedented times.”
While council is committed to continue working through the Community and Recreation Hub process, Mr Meddle said the local government body’s focus had shifted to its COVID-19 response.
“While the benefits of the project to the community remain unchanged and perhaps even strengthened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is not council’s number one priority at this time,” he said.
“The key focus is currently on the Our City, Our Response strategy aimed at minimising the severity and length of impact of COVID-19 locally.”
Meanwhile, council is preparing to roll out a number of infrastrucutre works in the coming weeks, including tree removal along Crouch Street South, footpath maintenance and construction along both Lake Terrace East and Conroe Drive, as well as the continuation of council’s street tree program.
