Council updates the community on Library and Multisport projects

Published on 30 April 2024

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Construction works are underway on the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct. Contractors are currently undertaking construction work on Stage 1 which will see the construction of the new state-of-the-art Yarrawonga Library, community meeting spaces, gallery/foyer spaces and café/commercial kitchen.

With a forecasted total project cost of $11.266 million, Moira Shire Council’s CEO Matthew Morgan has reaffirmed Council’s commitment to the exciting Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct project.

“This is a really important project, both for Council and the Yarrawonga Community. Council has taken the opportunity to responsibly review and reset the project – clearly defining project stages and assessing the budget and timeframes required to deliver Stage 1,” said Mr Morgan.

“We are now focussed on the delivery of Stage 1, which includes a new Library adjacent to the existing Town Hall building and the creation of a gallery space/foyer, meetings rooms, and a café/commercial kitchen space.”

The expected completion date for Stage 1 of the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct is November 2025.

Council will shortly appoint community members to the Town Hall Future Use Advisory Group, which will work closely with Council over the coming 12 months on defining the future use of the Yarrawonga Town Hall building and subsequent improvements and upgrades in coming years.

As a part of good project delivery, Council has also completed a prudential review of the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium project. Council will finalise some key internal work before June to ensure integrity of the project’s budget and a comprehensive delivery framework to avoid unnecessary time and cost delays.

“In progressing the Multisport Stadium project, it was prudent to assess various elements of the project to ensure good governance and informed decision making. The independent prudential report considers a number of elements, including the relationship of the project with strategic management plans, the projects contribution to the local economy during construction, community consultation, project delivery, risk management and financials,” said Mr Morgan.

“We know that the Yarrawonga community has been waiting for this project to commence, however it is vitally important that we get this right. We are dealing with public and community funds and we need to avoid the issues that we’ve experienced on other major projects which have led to significant construction delays and cost escalations.”

“We really appreciate everyone’s support as we look to make this stadium a reality for our community.”

“Both major projects in Yarrawonga have community fundraising efforts underway to contribute to project costs and it’s fantastic to see the support of the broader community, businesses and organisations, which adds even more reason for us to get these projects right and manage the project budgets and expenditure responsibly.”

Council will be working closely with key stakeholder groups over the next 6 to 8 weeks and has increased resourcing for the delivery of major projects. This includes a new Manager Project Delivery who commences with Council in late April, bringing a depth of experience to the management of large and complex construction projects.

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