Conditions Approved for MEC – Council Clarifies Occupancy Limits

Published on 23 July 2025

Snowy Valleys Council is reaffirming its commitment to transparency and community engagement following approval of the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) by the Southern Region Planning Panel (SRPP).

The MEC, a vital piece of infrastructure designed to support both community use and emergency response, has generated strong interest across the region, particularly around the conditions of consent and the maximum number of people permitted at the facility.

Council’s Director Community, Corporate and Development, Nick Wilton, addressed recent community commentary, including a letter to the editor referencing a 70-person occupancy limit.

“The 70-person figure originated from early planning assumptions used in a specialist report, not from any imposed or intended limitation on future use,” Mr Wilton explained.

“Once the SRRP sought clarification, updated assessments confirmed the centre could comfortably and compliantly accommodate up to 250 people.”

As part of the original development application, Council engaged independent experts to prepare specialist reports assessing potential impacts such as traffic and noise. The initial traffic and acoustic reports were based on conservative figures using benchmarks from comparable facilities. Those reports referenced 70 people as a typical usage scenario not a regulatory cap.

When the SRPP identified an inconsistency between draft conditions referencing both 70 and 250 people, they requested clarification. A supplementary acoustic report was prepared, reviewed by Council’s independent planner, and ultimately accepted by the Panel. It confirmed that the facility could comply with noise limits at full occupancy of 250 people.

“The final conditions of consent now allow for up to four larger events each year, with a maximum of 250 people in attendance at those events,” Mr Wilton said.

Mr Wilton also added that there are no capacity limits in an emergency.

“This project is about creating a flexible and resilient space that serves the needs of our community in both everyday and emergency situations,” he said.

“Council remains committed to delivering the MEC in line with the approved conditions and will continue to keep the community informed as work progresses.”

-ENDS-