Another step forward for the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct (The Precinct)
The City of Victor Harbor will soon progress to a market-based expression of interest (EOI), seeking proposals from interested parties to assist with delivering/ operating The Precinct, following decisions made at the August Ordinary Council meeting.
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 before the end of 2023.
Also at the August Ordinary Council meeting, the Council made a formal resolution to apply for relevant grant funding opportunities as they become available.
There are two Commonwealth funding streams that Council is positioning the project to align with – Growing Regions, and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. Council will look to apply for these programs in 2024.
City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins, said Council’s recent decisions are significant milestones towards achieving the delivery of the facility.
“There are great expectations from our community to deliver The Precinct. It’s something we’ve been working towards, and planning for, for many years,” said Mayor Jenkins.
“The EOI process, similar to what was undertaken by District Council of Mount Barker for The Summit, should put us in a strong position to apply for funding in 2024.”
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.
Affordability and financial sustainability are the primary considerations of Council in progressing this project, followed by the project driver of addressing community needs.
Mayor Jenkins said that although the process might feel slow for some, it’s essential that Council undertakes appropriate due diligence.
“This project is the single largest piece of community infrastructure that the Council is to deliver. It comes with a large price tag that has been further exacerbated in the current economic environment.”
“The Precinct is going to have a substantial, long-term impact on our community, so we need to get everything right. Make no mistake, The Precinct remains our highest priority, and the latest decisions by the Council demonstrate our passion for delivering it.”
The latest project news, background information and relevant documents can be found at www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au/theprecinct