Four City of Mount Gambier projects will share in more than $1 million in Federal grant funding under Phase 2 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI).
The old Valley Lakes public toilet block located opposite the community playground and barbecue area and the secondary non-compliant toilet block will be demolished to make way for new amenities at a total cost of $490,000.
“The new toilets will be designed to increase accessibility for people with disabilities or impairment,” City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott said.
“Importantly, the new amenities will improve safety for children in the area as they currently have to cross internal access roads and public car parking areas to access the facilities.”
The existing public amenities adjoining the State Heritage Railway Station building will also receive a funding allocation of $460,000 to ensure the facilities meet compliance standards.
The existing toilets retain the original layout from 1918 and are currently closed due to non-compliance. This upgrade will make the amenities available for public use and future events held at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands.- CEO Sarah Philpott
A $50,000 cash injection will provide landscaping improvements at the Cave Garden and Umpherston Sinkhole under the LRCI program.
“Funding for additional maintenance on two of the city’s most popular public reserves and pathway lighting for the Umpherston Sinkhole will really add to the aesthetic appearance of these spaces for both tourists and locals,” Ms Philpott said.
The LRCI program aims to stimulate additional community infrastructure construction projects to support local communities with short-term job opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the projects will ensure community members and visitors have well constructed and accessible public amenities.
“Council is very appreciative to the Federal government for the funding which will assist Council to deliver infrastructure which will improve the liveability and amenity of our city, assisting in the attraction of new business and industry and creating economic benefit for a sustainable future,” Mayor Martin said.
“The design, demolition and new construction works will create job opportunities for our local community, including architects and building contractors.”
“We want to ensure that Mount Gambier continues to make a strong recovery from COVID-19 and funding programs like this provide Council and the community with the best opportunity to do so.”
Council received almost $500,000 in funding during Phase 1 of the LRCI Program for a review of existing lighting levels across the city in comparison to Australian Standards. This project is currently in progress and due for completion by the end of the year.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on 08 8721 2577 or awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
