Funding questions over $8.5m Deans Marsh Community Hub plan set for endorsement
A development plan for an multimillion-dollar community hub in Deans Marsh went before council on Tuesday, however questions remain over how the project will be funded.
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A development plan for an multimillion-dollar community hub in Deans Marsh went before council on Tuesday, however questions remain over how the project will be funded.
The Deans Marsh Community Hub will be an “intergenerational” facility according to Surf Coast Shire Council, offering the community vital activity space.
The completed facility would comprise a hall with a stage, a large foyer space, daycare area and offices.
The council on Tuesday voted to endorse the development plan, which will now allow council officers to find funding.
The project will now be put for public exhibition, allowing community members to have their say for four weeks.
The vote does not mean the council has approved the development plan itself.
The community hub project comes as the shire predicted an $18m loss in its 2023-24 budget, and continues to search for ways to make up for a funding shortfall for an aquatic centre slated for Torquay.
In a report, council officers stated the Deans Marsh project is expected to cost up to $8.5m, with the proposed funding model including $2.5m from the shire’s renewal program, expected to be available in 2026-27.
The shire will seek an additional $3m from the state government, potentially through a Regional Development grant.
It’s expected the remaining $2.5m-$3m would come from the federal government.
However, the project may have to be completed in stages if external funding cannot be acquired.
“While obtaining full funding for the entire facility is a the clear preference, there would be options to stage the development of the facility if required, including identifying components that are not yet required by the community and/or not essential for immediate needs,” council officers wrote.
The shire could also target elections, such as the 2025 federal and 2026 state elections, to secure funding as part of an election commitment.
Endorsement of the project would allow Surf Coast Shire Council to advocate for the project.
The shire council’s endorsement of the project follows a multistage engagement process.
A Project Steering Group, featuring community members representing various user and interest groups, have met more than a dozen times.
The group included representatives from the Deans Marsh Community Hall & Memorial Reserve Community Asset Committee (DMCAC), Deans Marsh Cottage and Childcare, Surf Coast Shire Positive Ageing and Advisory Committee and Deans Marsh Primary School.
Across April and May 2022, the shire received 130 survey responses, over 100 people across several community meetings and eight online submissions, while in November and December, 30 people watched a presentation, 55 individuals and 11 groups submitted responses on the design options.
The existing building at the site, Deans Marsh Community Hall, cannot be retained due to its structural condition and noncompliance with building codes, meaning it must be demolished.
A skatepark at the site would be also be relocated.
Originally published as Funding questions over $8.5m Deans Marsh Community Hub plan set for endorsement
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