The City of Mount Gambier’s Expression of Interest (EOI) for funds as part of the Federal Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to build the proposed Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub has progressed to stage two.
Council is excited to learn that $15million has been earmarked for the project, following an announcement by Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin at the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce Gala Awards Night held at the Barn Palais this evening.
“$15million is by far the largest grant this community has ever received. Council would like to acknowledge the work of Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin for supporting Council’s EOI for funds to help establish the hub,” City of Mount Gambier CEO Mark McShane said.
Council feels fortunate that its EOI was able to stand out in a very competitive field. Hundreds of applications submitted to the fund from regional cities and towns all over Australia are also vying for funds to improve their communities and boost their economy.- City of Mount Gambier CEO Mark McShane
Council considers the announcement a vote of confidence in the project and Council’s work with the community and external specialists to develop intermediate designs and conduct financial analysis and cost estimates to satisfy the criteria for a full business case submission.
“The proposed facility promises to be the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history with the intermediate architectural designs, financial modelling and costings released this week.”
“Council has always maintained that it is committed to the development of a funding proposal that is ‘shovel ready’. We have worked hard to do the background work to progress this during the past six months. Now that documentation is ready, we will seek community endorsement to move the project forward through the soon to be conducted survey.”
In addition to securing the Federal grant, Council will continue to lobby the State Government with support from Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell for funds to progress the project.
Market research company Market Solutions has been appointed to conduct a postal survey of more than 19,000 electors within the city to gauge community support for the project to determine if it will proceed. The survey will include a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question and will be distributed in late November 2018, closing on 21 December 2018.
“Mr Pasin’s funding announcement, leading into the elector survey, provides the community with confidence about the project proceeding.”
“A community engagement program to inform the public about the proposed facility is scheduled to commence after the Council election. We look forward to engaging with the community about the proposed project to ensure electors are fully informed about the project before voting.”
Voting slips will be mechanically processed and Council expects to receive the results by mid-January 2019.
For further information about the Mount Gambier Community and Recreation Hub visit https://www.haveyoursaymountga...
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401, 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
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Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP 'Pasin delivers $15million funding offer to Mount Gambier' media release
Content authorised by City of Mount Gambier CEO Mark McShane, 10 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier SA.
