Mount Gambier’s white elephant: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre $62.5m total build budget revealed

A regional council which hid the original construction budget of a controversial flagship project has finally revealed its opening date and a $5m budget discrepancy.

Mount Gambier council has finally announced an opening date for its controversial flagship recreation and convention centre project, admitting the $5m difference between figures it told the public and its total construction budget.

At a press conference on Monday, Mount Gambier council chief executive Sarah Philpott revealed the “final construction cost for Wulanda is anticipated to be $62.5m”.

Mount Gambier Council has for months stood firm behind the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre development, saying its construction budget was $57.3m.

Mount Gambier City Council chief executive Sarah Philpott has revealed the final construction cost for Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre development. Picture: Supplied

The project has faced its share of controversy after the initial $39.1m budget blew out to $57.3m, with confidential documents revealed to The Advertiser last year showing it could cost as much as $64 million.

“The budget throughout the course of the build for Wulanda is $66.8m, including project management, cost estimators, quantity surveyors, planning and statutory charges, contingency and construction,” Ms Philpott said.

“The original construction budget of $61.6m comprised a contract price of $57.3m and a contingency allocation of $4.3m.”

Ms Philpott defended the secrecy stating it gave council a commercial advantage when engaging in discussions with BADGE.

“Having commercial information like that, which is only available to us, put us in the best position to deliver value for our community,” Ms Philpott said.

BADGE senior construction manager Mark Wyatt, site clerk Jocelyn Patzel and site engineer Princi Tandel explain the plans for Mount Gambier's multimillion dollar Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre. Picture: Jessica Ball

The opening of the centre will be staggered with punters able to use the swimming facilities on or around December 16.

“In February, the eastern bank of courts will be finished and opened to the community which will provide opportunities to host events, conventions, concerts and sporting competitions,” Ms Philpott said.

“Retractable seating in both banks of courts will progressively be installed next year.”

A special council meeting held late last month saw membership prices for the project approved with Ms Philpott boasting its affordability amid the rising cost of living.

“A casual swim at Wulanda for adults is $7.50, and a range of packages are available for the community to access the centre,” she said.

Council city growth general manager Tim Coote said council’s partnership with Belgravia prevented them from raising the prices without council’s approval.

“The fees and charges schedule needs to be approved by council,” he said.

“This initial set of fees and charges — required its own special council meeting.”

Going forward changes to the fees will need to be lodged with council and included in the annual business plan.

The project was meant to be completed in autumn this year but has been plagued by global supply chain issues and the pandemic delaying construction, Mr Coote said.