Infrastructure

"New footpath Eglington Terrace"

Aquatic Centre/Mini Golf

The Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre continues to attract increasing levels of patrons, and the 2005/06 swimming season was no exception with in excess of 62,000 visitations (approximately 3,000 more than 2004/05).

The number of children learning to swim has increased substantially, through both VacSwim and swimming lessons offered by the Aquatic Centre.

Improvements to the Centre during 2005/06 included an extension to the playground, new covers to the storage bins at the east of the main pool and ongoing maintenance to the buildings, plant and equipment.

The Centre is independently audited for risk management each year and continues to score exceptionally highly, with an aggregate score of 93% for an audit undertaken in early 2006.  This outcome is a credit to the Centre’s Management Group, LeisureCo and local Manager, Mr Peter Collins and his staff.

The following statistics are for 2005/06 Season.

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Bicycle Paths

Council, with the financial support of Bike SA has continued with the construction of the shared bicycle path/footpath on Jubilee Highway East.

The long term strategy is for a connection from Pick Avenue to Blue Lake Sports Park and as Council is actively encouraging the community to walk or ride rather than drive, the construction of high quality and safe facilities is essential.

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Boundary Roads

The City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant share responsibility for the sealed road network that forms the common boundary between the two Council areas.

Councils work collaboratively to maintain and improve the boundary road network, and each Council allocates $55,000 to this program annually.

In 2005/06, the first stage of Attamurra Road reconstruction was undertaken - the section from Jubilee Highway East to North Terrace.  Works consisted of kerb and channel on both sides, new and stronger pavement and a new sealed surface.  The two Councils have also applied for Special Local Road Funding to undertake the next stage of construction in 2006/07.

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Car Park - Mount Gambier Hospital

Council undertook the construction of a new carpark at the Mount Gambier Hospital on Wehl Street North in late 2005.  The carpark provides an additional 32 car parks and cost $50,000 to complete.

The Mount Gambier Hospital will repay the cost of the carpark in ten annual installments of $5,500.

Council undertook this initiative on the understanding the Mount Gambier Hospital ensures that on completion of the carpark an equivalent  number of spaces are made available and always remain available for public use in the general car parking areas of the Hospital/Community Health.

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Cave Garden Pergola Replicated

Council has completed the enlargement of the pergola structure within the Cave Garden.

The pergola was originally constructed from cast iron gas light posts, most likely in the late 1930’s and has been grown over by a magnificent wisteria vine.  The upgrade included the enlargement of the structure to make it a more significant feature and this involved the casting of ten (10) additional cast iron posts.  The expanded pergola will give the structure an improved visual appeal and an enlarged area to stand under to view the Cave and the garden.

A very lengthy post casting process was undertaken via Adelaide and held the project up but now that they have been installed the roof structure followed suit quite quickly considering its overall complexity.

The wisteria vine has been woven through the steel roof lattice to enable the vine to cover the structure and create and ever-changing canopy throughout the seasons.

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Cemeteries

CARINYA GARDENS CEMETERY

The Mount Gambier Cemetery Trust has demonstrated its commitment to providing a high level of customer service to its clients by undertaking a complete redevelopment of its administration facilities at Carinya Gardens Cemetery. 

Approximately 80-100 people attended an 'Open Day' on 22nd February 2006 to tour the Trust's facilities and Mayor Steve Perryman performed the Official Opening of the newly renovated Reception Centre and Offices.

The construction of Rotunda Memorial Area 1 was completed early 2006.  This new memorial area provides a surrounding garden area for the placement of cremated remains as well as providing seating for visitors to the cemetery.  Bench seating has also been placed in each of the burial lawns at Carinya Gardens Cemetery for the convenience of visitors.

Concrete plinths and head-blocks continue to be installed progressively throughout the cemetery.  Water-Lily, Boronia and Willow Gardens have been completed, with Rows A to F of both Eucalypt and Cypress Gardens also being completed.

The total number of burials performed at Carinya Gardens Cemetery during the financial year was 116, compared to 129 in 2004/05.

The total number of cremations performed at the Mount Gambier Crematorium during the financial year was 225, compared to 213 in 2004/05.

LAKE TERRACE CEMETERY

Some time ago, Council made available to the Mount Gambier Cemetery Trust, a portion of Section H and Section J at the southern end of the Lake Terrace Cemetery for use for burials.

Section H contains forty eight (48) concrete burial vaults, and section J contains numerous ground burial allotments.

For the 2005/06 financial year, two (2) burials were undertaken at H section and two (2) burials were undertaken at J section of Lake Terrace Cemetery.

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Construction Works

As with previous years, Council has completed a number of major road reconstruction projects in 2005/06.

Stage 2 of Shepherdson Road has been completed (Bertha Street to MacKenzie Street).  This project was completed within a very tight time frame to reduce the adverse impacts on local shopping.  Contractors were used to excavate the road on the weekend and the road base material was transported to the site already moisture conditioned to speed up construction.

Wehl Street North (Jane Street to Jubilee Highway West) was constructed in a similar manner as Stage 2 of Shepherdson Road, and both works were provided with an asphalt surface rather than a ‘chip’ seal more commonly used.  The new surface type was provided to improve ride quality, reduce road noise and it is anticipated this type of surface will reduce routine maintenance.

In conjunction with the developers of the Conroe Heights Subdivision, Empak Homes, a new roundabout was constructed at the intersection of North Terrace, Tumut Drive and Conroe Drive.

Council also undertook widening of some sections of Downer Street (to provide for on-street parking) and this has improved road safety in this area.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

New residential development was again strong for the 2005/06 year and a number of new streets were constructed.

On behalf of developers, Council undertook the construction of the following new streets:

• Conroe Drive (part)
• Skyline Place
• Ridgeview Court
• Friendswood Place
• Matthew Flinders Way (part)
• Colonel Light Place (part)
• Annie Field Lane
• Wilga Road (extension)

Also in addition to the above, the following streets were constructed by private contractors and have now become Council assets:

• Patricia Court
• Altinio Drive
• Venice Court
• Lui Avenue
• Lumidin Boulevard
• Gilmore Court

ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS

Roads are the most expensive (and most used) asset of the Council and the community and expenditure on road maintenance was increased during the 2005/06 year.

General road maintenance (which includes pothole repair, patching, signs etc.) was $135,000 in addition to $20,000 allocated to ‘hotmix’ surface specific intersection areas that were showing high stress levels.

$280,000 was allocated to resealing Council roads.  This work is allocated based on asset condition rating but generally roads will be resealed every 10-14 years (depending on traffic volumes primarily).  Wet weather in February caused significant time delays, thus increasing the costs of the work.

Council also has a large number of bitumen sealed footpaths that require resealing (say every 20-30 years typically) and in 2005/06 Council allocated additional financial resources ($30,000) to ‘hotmix’ bitumen footpaths.  This type of surface is neater and does not leave a lot of loose stones which are a pedestrian hazard.  The footpaths are smoother which are therefore far easier for people with some form of disability or restricted mobility to negotiate.

FOOTPATH CONSTRUCTION

Historically, Council has expended about $100,000 per year on the construction of new concrete footpaths.  In 2005/06 Council was able to increase funding to $125,000 and the following footpaths were constructed:

• Ferrers Street (Lansell Street to Gwendoline Street)
• Livingston Street (Jubilee Highway East to existing path)
• Eglington Terrace (Wehl Street to Ehret Street)
• Crouch Street South (Tallara Avenue to Lake Terrace East)
• Stafford Street (McArthur Street to Grevillea Steret)
• John Watson Drive (Aquifer Tours to WinTV)
• Woodlands Drive (south side to Hospital)

BLACK SPOT PROGRAM

Council applied for, and received Federal Black Spot Funding to undertake the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Commercial Street East and Anthony Street.

These works were undertaken at a cost of $120,000, with $105,000 from the Federal Black Spot Program and $15,000 of Council funds.

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Footpath Patrol

The Footpath Patrol is undertaken by members of the Australian Retired Persons Association and the East Gambier Neighbourhood Group, and has continued to monitor footpaths during their regularly scheduled walks in Mount Gambier.    

Reports received from the groups are provided to Council for assessment and appropriate action, in some case this involves passing on reports to Service Utilities. 

Driveway crossovers, particularly in relation to differences in ground levels creating trip hazards, continue to be the highest incidence of reports.  The responsibility for maintenance of driveway crossovers lies with the property owner.   Other issues found include tree root trip hazards, overhanging branches and service point/pit trip hazards.  

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Lake Terrace Cemetery - New Toilet Facility

The Lake Terrace Cemetery is an area of very high significance for the community and Council allocated funding to build a new public toilet facility in the 2005/06 Budget.

The toilet design has been completed and complements the adjacent Sexton’s Cottage.  Design features of the new facility include a steeply pitched roof and external building materials that match the era of the Cottage.

It is anticipated that the facility will be constructed in the latter part of 2006.

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Malseed Park - Toilet Upgrade

Council has completed the plans for a substantial upgrade of the main toilet facility at Malseed Park.  The revamped facility will include female showers and disabled facilities.

One of the main criteria for the design was the ability to keep the facility clean.  The revamp will cost about $70,000 and will substantially improve the amenity of this major sporting reserve.

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Median Highway - Landscape Upgrades - Jubilee Highway East

Council has recently completed the second stage median landscape upgrade project on various sections on Jubilee Highway East.

This project involved the removal of certain trees along the median island that had either become too large for the space or were showing signs of disease and or rot.  In addition to the tree removal, the median islands were leveled out be removing surplus soil and grass, and the space re-seeded with a more water resistant grass mix and replanted with more appropriate tree species.

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Penola Road/Wireless Road Intersection

Transport Services (formerly Transport SA) have continued with their investigations into a long term traffic solution for the intersection of Penola Road and Wireless Road.

The City of Mount Gambier had offered $200,000 towards an agreed solution (not accepted by the State Government).

A road safety audit has been completed by independent traffic engineering consultants and during the last part of 2006 it is expected that Transport Services will complete concept works and estimates for a range of possible solutions.

Community consultation will take place to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to have input.

It is anticipated that funding applications will be forwarded in early 2007 for possible funding in the 2007/08 financial year.

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Penola Road Duplication

The State Government has now undertaken the duplication of Penola Road, from Scott Court to south of Pinehall Avenue.

This project sees the completion of a major priority that Council has had for many years and results in a significant improvement in both the traffic management and appearance of the northern approach into the City.

The roadworks have been complemented by landscaping works (including tree planting - to be undertaken by Council) and new public lighting.

Council has allocated $100,000 towards stormwater management for the project and this includes the purchase of private land to allow for the construction of a stormwater detention basin.

Employees of Council assisted the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure by constructing all the new retaining walls, underground drainage, kerb and channel and final landscaping.

Council, and the community takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to the State Government for undertaking this project.

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Pioneer Settlers’ Memorial Upgrade

One of the final infrastructure projects to celebrate Council’s 50th year of being declared a City was the upgrade of the Pioneer Settlers’ Memorial on the corner of John Watson Drive and Bay Road.  These works consisted of a new dolomite feature wall, incorporating directional signage, revamped footways and seating.

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Playgrounds

Council has again continued with its neighbourhood playground installation program and for 2005/06 a new playground was constructed at the Don McDonnell Reserve at Conroe Heights.  As Conroe Heights is a new area with many young families it is expected that this will be a very well used playground.

A second ‘Liberty Swing’ (i.e. a swing specifically designed for wheelchairs) has been installed at the Vansittart Park Playground.  This project was made possible by an extremely generous donation of $12,500 from the South East Children’s Cancer Association.

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Pram Crossings

The installation of pram crossings has continued to be a priority for Council and a further $8,000 has been expended on pram crossings at City intersections.

Pram crossings can be used by people in wheelchairs, people pushing prams/trolleys etc. and are now viewed as an essential infrastructure service.

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Seating

Council was fortunate to gain 700 surplus grandstand seats from Adelaide Oval through SACA.

The seats are grouped in bays of six (6) and Council is now in the process of converting these seats so that they can be adapted to form a temporary grandstand, which can be easily transported to various locations within the City.

Council is expecting that these seats (when finally converted) will be utilized by various sporting organizations when large events occur within the City.

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Skate Park Facilities

Both Skate Parks (i.e. Dimjalla Park and A F Sutton Park) have been well utilized over the past twelve months.

A new toilet block has been constructed at Dimjalla Park effectively completing all construction works programmed for this site.

Unfortunately, the new toilet is subject to substantial vandalism and in turn, this adds to the cost of the operation of this facility.

Users of the facility are urged to report vandalism to either the Police or Council.

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Street Trees

The planting of street trees is a very important component of Council’s environmental works program and the strategic objective is to have 10,000 street trees by 2017.  To achieve this objective, Council needs to increase its street tree population by a net gain of 300 trees per year.

The following indicates the 2005/06 program.

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Surplus Railway Lands

Council previously expressed its appreciation with the announcement in May 2005 that the Government of South Australia had agreed to transfer the freehold of the Mount Gambier Railway Station Yard (Bay Road to Wehl Street South) to Council for no consideration for the purpose of redevelopment for the overall benefit of the community.  Settlement of the transfer took place on 29th June 2005.

Council acknowledges again with respect and admiration the decision of the State Government and the involvement of the Hon Rory McEwen MP, Member for Mount Gambier in the very successful conclusion of these lengthy negotiations.

Council has conducted two extensive community consultations in respect of the options and opportunities for the development of the railway lands situated between Bay Road and Wehl Street South.

The first consultation was conducted during the period July 2005 to August 2005 which included three public information sessions (attendance by 136 persons) and the receipt of 32 written submissions by 17th August 2005. 

Council resolved on 21st September 2005 to engage the Adelaide firm Design Inc to work with Council to:-

• Facilitate with Council Members the consideration of the public submissions;
• The preparation of initial concept plan options for the subject lands that have regard to the public submissions and the Council’s own views and/or variations thereto;
• A general overarching agreement on concept plan options suitable for further consultation with the community.

Design Inc completed its review and prepared two concept plan options and a report on its thoughts in December 2005/January 2006.

Council actioned a second extensive community consultation on the concept plan options and the methodology as prepared by Design Inc. for the future redevelopment of the Railway Lands.

The second consultation was conducted during the period February 2006 to March 2006 which included three public information sessions (attended by 98 persons) and the receipt of 92 written submissions by 29th March 2006.

Council resolved on 18th April 2006 to:-

• Now engage an independent property adviser to seek the views of property developers as to their potential layout and design preferences for the railway lands (at no cost to Council) with such preferences being based on the principles as detailed in the Design Inc. concept plans and also give consideration to the views of the community as detailed in Corporate and Community Services Report No. 32/3006.
• The layout and design preferences from property developers need to given consideration that some fundamental bus facilities should be now included in the overall design preferences, together with the need for high level consideration of traffic management (on and off the site) and vehicle access to existing premises i.e. loading zones and proposals from property developers must be received by Council by no later than 30th June 2006.

Council has engaged the Melbourne firm Burgess Rawson and Associates to represent Council in the matters referred to in the 18th April 2006 resolution.

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Under Verandah Lighting

Council has continued with the installation of under verandah lighting.  The latest section was Commercial Street East from Bay Road to Ferrers/Mitchell Street at a cost of $13,225.

This project ensures that all areas of the footpath have at least a minimum level of public lighting and helps reduce deep shadow areas.

This program has been well received by the community.

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