Snowy Valleys Council’s MEC Project Nearing Completion
Published on 13 August 2026
The new Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) at Richmond Park, Tumut, is nearing completion, with the major construction project now entering its final stages.
Internal works are almost complete, with painting, carpet installation and ceiling tiles finished and line marking and sealing of the sports floor now underway.
While recent wet weather has delayed some outdoor works, all car park concrete pours have been completed, along with some of the surrounding footpaths.
Once the occupancy certificate is finalised, Council and appointed venue operator LeisureSafe will host a free Community Open Day, providing the community with an opportunity to explore the new facility ahead of the basketball season.
Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Julia Ham said the new centre would provide a significant new community asset for Tumut and the broader Snowy Valleys region.
“This is an exciting milestone for the project and for our community. The MEC will provide a modern, purpose-built facility that supports sport, recreation, community activities and events, while also strengthening our capacity to respond during emergencies,” Mayor Ham said.
“It will be a space that can be enjoyed every day by people of all ages and abilities, but can also play a vital role when our community needs somewhere safe and functional during an emergency.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community through the doors and seeing this facility come to life.”
Key features of the new centre include:
- two indoor multipurpose courts
- spectator viewing stands
- male and female amenities and change areas
- reception and indoor café areas
- significant storage capacity for emergency use
- landscaped surrounds (when the weather is more conducive to planting)
- off-street parking for up to 50 vehicles.
The facility will enable local and regional indoor sporting competitions to be held in Tumut, while providing flexible spaces for conferences, school programs, community gatherings and events.
It has also been designed to operate as an evacuation centre during emergencies, providing an important piece of community resilience infrastructure for the region.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.