Community to have their say on Regional Multi-Purpose Centre Study
Published on 01 August 2018
Usability, design plans and running costs will be topics of discussion as Council seeks community feedback on the Feasibility Study for a Regional Multi-Purpose Centre for the Snowy Valleys.
Snowy Valleys’ community members are being invited to review and provide comment on the feasibility study and concept plan to ensure it meets the future needs of the Snowy Valleys Region.
Council Director Assets and Infrastructure Matt Christensen said this is the community’s opportunity to better understand the realities and impact of a project of this size.
“It is important to note that we are at the very early stages of considering this project, and the feasibility study is designed to critically assess the proposal to build, and enable informed decisions about whether to proceed with the project,” he explained.
A recreation planning consultancy was engaged, on request of Council to provide a feasibility study into the development of a Regional Multi-Purpose Centre facility to be based in Tumut, including a scope of works and conceptual plans.
Councilors envisioned a community ‘hub’ that would incorporate indoor sports, indoor heated pools, gym and group fitness as well as providing a ‘social destination’ for sport, recreation, social and business engagement and a meeting place that the Snowy Valleys communities could be proud of.
“We’re keen to hear from people across the region as the Regional Centre is proposed to service all the Snowy Valleys communities and has potential to impact all residents not just key user groups,” Mr Christensen said.
The study consolidates the current sports precinct in Tumut into a regional resource providing four indoor multi-purpose courts, a 25m x 8m program pool and a 8m x 8m hydrotherapy pool with a separate café and function spaces.
Mr Christensen said that Council staff were not only seeking community feedback on the draft plan but also wanted to better understand the community’s thoughts on the social and environmental impacts of the Centre.
“We want to know how people see themselves using the complex and what they see as important building design and sustainability features,” Mr Christensen said.
The Feasibility Study includes a financial forecast for the ongoing operational costs of the Multi-Purpose Centre. The study shows an initial projected loss of $400,000 in the first year, with a loss of $532,000 projected in the fifth year of operation.
Mr Christensen said Council wants to hear how residents would advise Council to fund the ongoing operational costs of a Multi-Purpose Centre.
“It’s important that everyone understands the potential impacts of the running and upkeep of a complex of this size and what that may mean for rates or other Council services,” Mr Christensen said.
Community members can have their say and give feedback on the feasibility study at a number of community consultation sessions being held across the region in early August.
Talbingo Country Club Monday 6 August 5.30 - 6.30pm
Shane O’s Cafe Khancoban Wednesday 8 August 3.00 - 4.00pm
Tumbarumba Bowling Club Thursday 9 August 5.30 – 6.30pm
Adelong S&C Club Monday 13 August 5.30 – 6.30pm
Batlow RSL Club Wednesday 15 August 5.30 – 6.30pm
Club Tumut Thursday 16 August 5.30 – 6.30pm
“We encourage all interested parties to come along to a community session and let us know your thoughts on the feasibility study. This is your chance to be heard on the topic,” Mr Christensen said.
Feedback gathered will be put into a report to go back to Council and will help to inform debate and decision making.
Community members who are not able to make a face-to-face consultation session will be encouraged to go online and give feedback via Council’s website in the coming weeks or email Council at [email protected].
For more information on the Regional Multi-Purpose Centre Feasibility Study, please contact Director Assets and Infrastructure Matthew Christensen on 69412555.