Statement released on future of Bega Sporting Complex

Bega Valley Shire Council Chief Executive Anthony McMahon has released a statement on the Bega Sporting Complex redevelopment.

The commencement of the Bega Sporting Complex redevelopment was delayed due to a number of setbacks during the detailed scoping and planning phases of the project. This has included cost escalations during and post COVID-19, additional planning approval requirements and complex land tenure constraints.

In the statement McMahon advises “these issues are now resolved but required some redesign to get to the point where the project is deliverable within funding constraints.

“Due to the setbacks and in order to deliver the project, Bega Valley Shire Council has submitted funding variations to the NSW Government to extend the delivery of the project up to 30 months compared to the originally proposed finalisation date. This is required to ensure the funds are available for Council and to ensure the NSW Government honours its commitment.

“The bureaucratic process requires the NSW Government to move the funds previously allocated to the 2023/24 budget into the 2024/25 budget, and funds previously allocated to the 2024/25 budget into the 2025/26 budget. The amounts stay the same. This is purely a bureaucratic process of the NSW Government to ensure projects meet their agreed delivery milestones.”

McMahon said from a Council perspective, this has been a challenge and noted “there have been unforeseen planning setbacks we have had to deal with, but we can’t wait to get started with this highly important community project.

“With the planning issues now out of the way, we are awaiting the confirmation of the funding variation.

“We are confident the funding will be approved, but we obviously need confirmation before we can proceed with signing a contract. The head contractor for the project has been extremely accommodating.

“We have had positive conversations with the Minister for Sport and we await confirmation of the funding variation from the NSW Treasurer in the coming weeks.”

In December 2023, Bega Valley Shire Council announced that it would be progressing negotiations with Monarch Building Solutions as the preferred tenderer for the construction of the Bega Sports Complex.

The project will address the many provision gaps and deficiencies with the current poor facilities, which were highlighted through the master planning process.

An important part of the project is to create a ‘hub’ of facilities servicing a wide range of user groups. The concept of a ‘multi-use hub’ is a key element in the funding agreement and has been a noted criteria in funding programs for many years.

Examples of current deficiencies at the site include a lack of facilities servicing George Griffin Oval, ageing non-compliant and not ‘female friendly’ change rooms, poor to no compliant disability access to areas of the site, and an ageing and not height compliant indoor court.

Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the scope of the project cannot be changed because of the risk to grant funding already received from the NSW Office of Sport.

“The $11.7 million funding package (2019 Election Commitment) from the NSW Government and their advice has been invaluable as we navigated through a challenging time,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.

“The approved design from N2SH Architects will be a huge improvement on the old facilities, with sporting clubs, community groups and large event organisers set to benefit.

"This complex will bring a significant economic boost to the area and when we open the doors in early 2025, it will enhance the shire's appeal as a destination for sports, recreation and cultural events.”

Mayor Fitzpatrick extended thanks to the community user-group representatives who participated as members of the Project Control Group and provided valuable input throughout the design process.

"Collaboration and support from the community user-group representatives played a big part in shaping the final design of the new sports complex building,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.

“The long-awaited project has already had to overcome a range of complexities related to bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and we thank the community for its patience.”

Image. Renders of Bega Sporting Complex Credit: Bega Valley Shire