Eurobodalla Shire Council is preparing to submit major funding applications to the NSW Government to progress the redevelopment of the Mackay Park precinct in Batemans Bay. Councillors and Council’s community-based sunset committee met with consultants Otium Planning Group last week to review the preferred option for the aquatic and arts and cultural components of the site. Mayor Liz Innes said everyone working on the project was mindful of the current funding opportunities being offered by the NSW Government and the need for Council to adopt a concept that achieved an outstanding outcome for the community while still being financially responsible and affordable. “We are very grateful for the ongoing support of Bega MP Andrew Constance who took the time to meet with us and community representatives again last week in Batemans Bay. “Grant funds will be essential if we are to deliver the type of facilities our community has been asking for, and we have the NSW Government presenting us with a once-in- a-generation opportunity for significant funding. We must be ready to take it,” said Clr Innes. “Everyone on the committee is committed to being ready for Council to submit significant grant applications with a robust business case to the NSW Government in September.” Otium had prepared preliminary concepts for an aquatic and arts and cultural facility that demonstrated how the two community facilities could co-locate on the Crown Land at the southern end of the precinct, leaving the Council-owned freehold land to the north unencumbered and available for future development opportunities. “I want to state very clearly that we are only talking about preliminary concepts at this stage. The concept plans we are looking at show us what we can fit on the site and the business case gives us an idea of how much it could cost to build and operate. “There is a long way to go before we choose a final design and we will continue to work closely with the committee who represent the key community groups with a strong interest in this project,” said Clr Innes. At the sunset committee meeting on Wednesday, Clr Innes asked representatives to provide their feedback and views so a report could be prepared for Council to consider. “The meeting was very constructive and we talked at length about the business case and conceptual ideas for the development of the site. I offered everyone time to meet with me and with staff over the next week if they needed to,” she said. “The Mackay Park precinct will be a showcase for all of Eurobodalla and I am honoured to be driving this project with our community and working alongside Bega MP Andrew Constance, my fellow councillors, our passionate community representatives on the committee and a very committed team of staff. “This project has the promise to be a wonderful example of the strong relationship that exists between the NSW Government and Council, and how together we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our community.” An extraordinary Council meeting will be held later in August to decide on the concept for inclusion in Council’s applications for grant funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund, due by 4 September. Media Release
