BALRANALD Shire Council says it’s “on the move”, with four major community projects to be delivered by the middle of the year.
The completion of the projects will come leading into the council elections in September, when residents will elect a council for the first time since it was sacked in 2020.
An inquiry at the time found it had “failed to act as a reasonable employer,” with valuable staff having to quit because of the work environment.
The council accepted tenders for the projects at its scheduled council meeting on February 20.
Director of governance, business and community services Glenn Carroll said it was a “magnificent” achievement to have one tender accepted at a council meeting, but four was “exceptional”.
“This clearly demonstrates the positivity, commitment, determination and focus that council has in delivering projects across the shire that align with community needs and objectives,” Mr Carroll said.
The four major projects that are about to go into delivery and construction mode include an upgrade of Balranald Lions Park, Euston Recreation Reserve field refurbishment, upgrading of the Euston Recreation Reserve netball precinct and the Balranald Discovery Centre & Interpretive Pavilion upgrade.
Mr Carroll said Lions Park was a key rest point for travellers coming from the west of Balranald and also a meeting place for local families.
The focus of the $1 million project is on accessibility and inclusivity.
“All existing play equipment is to be removed and replaced with a new modern play layout including flying foxes, swings and much more,” Mr Carroll said.
“The park has been designed to accommodate not only the young within our community but provide an inclusive space for community members of all ages as well as attracting visitors to our town.”
Works were expected to begin early this month and completed by June.
The field refurbishment at Euston is set to start towards the end of the month and will see the existing football oval recultivated and a new irrigation system installed.
Full perimeter fencing will encompass the oval, as well as new field lighting, goal posts, timekeepers’ box and electronic scoreboard.
Mr Carroll said the $800,000 development, due to be completed in July, would enable Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club to host home games and provide a training ground for all ages.
Meanwhile, the netball precinct at the recreation reserve would include the extension and renovation of the existing netball change rooms and toilet facilities, resurfacing of the netball court and extension of the concrete aprons to the perimeter of the existing netball court.
New lighting and shade shelter for the existing netball court would also form part of the project.
The much-anticipated $950,000 upgrade of the Balranald Discovery Centre will also soon begin.
“The funding will provide for a new building which will adjoin the visitor information centre and museum as well as a full upgrade of the technical equipment in the award-winning interpretive pavilion,” Mr Carroll said.
“All drawing documentation has now been completed and construction works are set to commence by the end of March with a July 2024 completion date.
“The new building will provide a space for further promotion of the wonderful tourism attractions that Balranald Shire has on offer and help attract more visitors to the region and boost the local and regional visitor economy.”
Mr Carroll said there was a “real buzz” in the air and “exciting times” ahead for a new council to be elected.
“(With) the general manager, Craig Bennett, at the helm, two newly-appointed directors along with a designated project manager and staff, all working together with the community in a positive and proactive manner for the provision of excellent amenities in our Balranald Shire communities,” he said.
