Key decisions to progress The Precinct

Council has made some decisions in relation to the progression of the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct (The Precinct) project.

The first being that we will be immediately progressing a market-based expression of interest (EOI) seeking proposals from interested parties to assist deliver / operate the facility. This is similar to a process undertaken by the District Council of Mount Barker for The Summit which sought partnership proposals from the private sector to assist with the delivery of recreation, leisure, sport and entertainment facilities. It also includes an opportunity for local builders to be involved in the delivery through a design and construct method.

Why is Council taking this approach? The cost of such a large piece of community infrastructure would be significant in any economic environment. The volatility of the economy over the past couple of years has certainly amplified this and we have received estimates from professional cost surveyors suggesting an extraordinary cost to bring this project to fruition. Affordability and financial sustainability are the primary considerations of Council in progressing this project, followed by the project driver of addressing community needs. Undertaking an EOI is a way to balance these considerations and ensure we are delivering a facility that provides the best outcome for our whole community (in terms of achieving value for money and addressing gaps in current facility provision).

Soft market testing, undertaken earlier this month, indicates there is interest from the private sector in the project. The EOI is expected to be launched in the next few weeks, with proposals to be considered by Council by the end of the year. This will be the next decision point for the progression of the project.

Also at the recent meeting, the Council made a formal resolution to support administration to apply for relevant funding opportunities as they become available. Following the completion of the EOI process, it is expected that we will be in a better position to put a strong case forward to funding bodies. There are two Commonwealth funding streams that we are positioning the project to align with – Growing Regions and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. There are numerous opportunities to make applications to these programs during 2024.

The latest decisions are significant milestones and are steps forward towards achieving the delivery of this facility. The EOI approach provides a way for the Council to be confident that all options have been explored to deliver the best possible outcomes for our community.

We know there are great expectations from many within our community when it comes to delivering The Precinct. Please be assured that The Precinct remains our highest priority major project. In saying this, it is also important to note that this project will be the single largest piece of community infrastructure that the Council is to deliver. The decisions made will have a far reaching, intergenerational effect and it is important that the appropriate due diligence is undertaken before a shovel hits the ground – though with the latest decisions we are closer to achieving this.