Council staff are close to finalising an effective and appropriate water feature design, and have developed an option that eliminates the need to relocate the pumping and filtration system in the future.
The project, an initiative in the Barunga West Annual Business Plan, also involves investigating the upgrade and potential relocation of the Visitor Information Centre in Port Broughton. A proposed new ‘Top of the Yorke’ Tourism Centre will incorporate the Visitor Information Centre and showcase local products and services.
Finalisation of the construction program for the upgrade of the Civic Square has been delayed due to planning issues around the water feature design. Council had previously selected a preferred water feature option, but the need to relocate the pumping and filtration system in the future, due to the proposed new tourism centre, had raised concerns regarding future costs.
To address these concerns, the Council's project team developed an option where the pumps and filtration plant would not need to be relocated in the future. This was a significant achievement on behalf of the project team, and it is believed that this option will allow the project to be delivered within the current allocated budget.
The Council has also been able to secure a commitment from the water feature designers to have documents available for seeking tenders by 23 March 2023. This will enable the Council to select a suitable contractor for the construction of the water feature.
“The delays in the construction program have been taken into consideration, and the project team has adjusted the construction program to deliver a substantial portion of the project by the end of this financial year,” said Maree Wauchope, Barunga West Council’s CEO.
“The project has received overwhelming support from the community. Council remains committed to delivering this project to the highest standard and within the allocated budget, and to the benefit of the local community and tourists to Port Broughton.”