Pambula Sporting Complex MP 2019
Pambula Sporting Complex MP 2019
Pambula Sporting Complex MP 2019
Complex
Master Plan
(adopted by Bega Valley Shire
Council on 8 June 2016)
(amended 19 September 2018)
recreation
open space
and sport
specialists
Executive summary 1
Background 3
Introduction and purpose 3
What is a master plan? 3
Project methodology 3
Trends considerations 4
Existing situation 7
Site elements 7
Consultation summary 9
Master plan 11
Vision 11
Facility design 12
Staged implementation and costing 15
Executive summary
Introduction Demand for upgrade
The Pambula Sporting Complex (the Complex) is an expansive Through site inspections, the analysis of current sporting trends and
sporting venue managed by the Pambula Sporting Complex the outcomes of extensive consultation with Council staff, current
Committee on behalf of the Bega Valley Shire Council. Located and potential user groups and the community, the key issues for the
on Pambula Beach Road, the site’s main features at the time of master plan of the Pambula Sporting Complex to address include:
planning include an AFL/cricket oval, a rugby league field, outdoor
basketball courts, skate park, two storey clubhouse, smaller, low-set the dysfunctional design of the main clubhouse
brick pavillion, and a large open field on the lower level catering for the most effective manner to develop the large open area in the
equestrian activities. southern aspect of the site
the opportunity to make provision for the football (soccer) club
The Sapphire Aquatic Centre is immediately adjacent to the Complex to relocate from the Pambula town showgrounds site to the
to the north-west. Complex
consolidation of ad-hoc buildings wherever possible
improved traffic flows into the Complex and within it
Existing situation improved youth facilities to complement formal sporting
activities
The Complex is approximately 14.5ha in area and is located the opportunity to improve internal pedestrian connections and
approximately 1.5km west of the centre of Pambula. general passive recreation issues across the site
There are three distinct activity areas with the two playing fields on increased car parking to cater for larger events.
the ‘upper’ level and the large area (currently used by the pony club)
at a lower level to the rear (south) of the site. The entrance to the
site is not inviting, with ad-hoc signage and it can be congested at Design directions
times. The proposed master plan is located within Section 5.
The two main playing fields are separated by the main clubhouse The vision for the Pambula Sporting Complex is:
that, although it provides good viewing to both playing fields, is
unattractive, ageing and without appropriate access for people with to provide a regional sporting complex that caters for the
disabilities. effective operations of a number of tenant clubs and user
Other built infrastructure on site is also ageing and not necessarily groups now and into the future and has the ability to host
well positioned, including some large storage sheds to the south of larger scale events.
the rugby league field.
Proposed ultimate outcomes for the Pambula Sporting Complex
The aquatic centre is effectively separate from the Complex, but include:
there can be car parking issues at peak use times or when the the future extension and renovation of the existing main
Complex is hosting larger events. clubhouse
Existing site features include: the construction of a new multi-purpose building to service the
needs of users of the lower area and replace ad-hoc buildings
rectangular playing field catering primarily for rugby league with within the site
competition field lighting and three stand-alone tiered seating installation of a multi-age adventure playground
structures creation of an improved youth precinct through the extension of
large oval catering primarily for cricket and AFL, with player basketball/netball courts
dugouts, a terraced concrete viewing area and training-level parking and vehicular traffic improvements
field lighting development of a shared path network throughout Complex
two storey brick clubhouse with canteen and change rooms construction of two new football (soccer) fields on lower level
below and function room/viewing area above turfed terraces to view developed lower area
large open area with pony club fenced area and storage sheds establishment of main equestrian area with ancillary facilities
two-net cricket practice facility (stalls/stables/storage, etc).
good sized skate park
two concrete outdoor basketball/netball courts, separated from
the skate park by a picnic shelter with barbecue
a low-set brick building (Frank Maher Pavillion)
wood chopping area
a public toilet block and ‘can’ bar
medium-sized sealed and marked car park at the current entry
to Complex with informal, unsealed parking areas across the
site.
The Lumen Christi Catholic College is to the immediate east of the
Complex, with students using the Complex’s facilities on school days.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Aerial photograph of Pambula Sporting Complex
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Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plan - adopted 8 June 2016
Background
Introduction and What is a master plan?
A master plan provides a vision for a site, identifying what it should
purpose look like and how it should function into the future. It establishes a
strong and consistent direction, providing a framework for ongoing
In mid 2015, Bega Valley Shire Council engaged ROSS Planning to improvement. It considers the interrelationship between:
develop master plans for its two regional sportsgrounds - the Bega
current character and functionality of the landscape
Recreation Ground (the subject of a separate master plan report)
and the Pambula Sporting Complex (the Complex). public expectations and needs
emerging issues and trends
The site is situated approximately 1.5km to the east of the centre of the realities of the economic, social, environmental and
Pambula. Current regular users are: legislative context of the time.
rugby league The result is a plan that balances needs across a range of often
AFL football conflicting interests.
cricket
pony club The master plan does not suggest that all elements of the plan
table tennis should proceed immediately, or that Council nor the user groups
Lumen Christi Catholic College should be responsible for all capital costs in respect of those items
Pambula Agricultural Society Show that are progressed. It is important to note that the intent of the
master plan is to provide a framework for future development of the
Pambula Motorfest.
site over an extended time period so that ad hoc improvements are
avoided and community use and long-term viability are maximised.
The master plan should be regularly monitored to ensure the
Intent of the master plan outcomes continue to meet community needs in the best possible
The aim of the master plan is to way.
provide a realistic and achievable
vision for the site, where the needs
and requirements of the multiple
user groups, broader community
Project methodology
The methodology used to develop the master plan comprised the
and Council are established and following stages:
balanced.
Stage 1 - Situation review and information
Due to the significant costs involved in implementing the entire
gathering
master plan, the project will require a staged approach to review of relevant reports, plans, policies and other documents
development that provides for smooth implementation limiting review of the demographic profile of the community including
impact on users. Ultimately, the report will guide community, Council consideration of population growth projections
and user group decision-making and resource allocation. open space context
trends analysis
Through site analysis, background research and consultation, detailed site inspection and analysis
the project aims to provide optimal use of the site for sport and
recreation groups and the wider community. Stage 2 - Consultation
Council officers and Elected Members
user groups (current and potential)
wider community
external stakeholders
Stage 3 - Analysis
analysis of identified issues, ideas, needs and opportunities
preparation of concept options for Council review
Stage 4 - Draft master plan
preparation of draft master plan report
review of draft master plan by Council
user group workshop of draft
public review
Stage 5 - Review and finalisation
review of feedback on draft master plan
agreed amendments to the master plan
Western field from the north-east corner delivery of final master plan and report
Council endorsement.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Demographic Trends considerations
considerations Formal sport trends
In order to understand the make-up for the Complex’s ‘catchment’, Field and court quality
a snapshot of existing and future population and demographic
characteristics has been undertaken. Given the Complex’s position Facility providers face an increasing trend to develop and re-develop
as a regional sports facility, population characteristics for the entire sporting fields and courts to a higher level in order to increase
Council area have been the focus where possible. It is acknowledged carrying capacity. Upgrades, such as lighting and field irrigation, allow
that some participants will come from outside this catchment. training and competition times to be extended and increases the
However, core participation will come from within the Council ability of turf playing fields to cope with the resulting wear and tear.
boundaries. Further, to achieve ongoing field quality, playing fields need ‘rest
periods’ (of up to four weeks) where necessary maintenance can be
Analysis of these characteristics 1 reveals: undertaken.
a predicted population of 33,507 in 2015 with moderate
population increases of approximately 5,000 by 2036 With rugby league, cricket, AFL, and pony clubs, the playing fields/
consistent with national trends, Bega Valley Shire has an ageing areas at the Complex are subject to significant use. This level of use
population with higher increases in the older age groups from is expected to grow, especially with a possible relocation of soccer
2011 to 2026 to accommodate growth in the club from the single, Crown-managed
despite the ageing population, the younger age groups are still field in Pambula Town. In particular, it will become increasingly
expected to increase with persons aged under 17 going up by important to schedule necessary field maintenance for the main
7.3% to 2026 and comprising 21.1% of the population playing areas between the normal operations of the tenant clubs on
in 2011 there was a higher proportion of older people 50 years fields that are used year-round.
and above (47.5%) compared with Regional NSW (38.4%)
the Pambula District is expected to grow by 7.85% from 2,932 to
Field sharing
3,162 people between the years 2015 and 2036 With many sports extending the lengths of pre-season and season
approximately 700 households without a motor vehicle fixtures, sharing of field space is becoming more common, although
more than 3,000 households without an internet connection this does raise some challenges. While providers strive to maximise
the towns of Merimbula (4km), Tura (6km and Eden (22km) are the use of community resources (and State Governments espouse
in relatively close proximity, with sporting fields located at both field sharing), the reality is that shared use of ancillary facilities (e.g.
Merimbula and Eden. pavilions, carparks) rather than fields may be more appropriate, and
is not uncommon, to get the best value from these assets.
Council will need to facilitate the proposed sharing of facilities,
Demographic considerations - particularly those proposed for the lower area where equestrian and
implications football (soccer) groups will be sharing club room facilities and at
times, ‘playing areas’.
In terms of impacts for the future development of the Pambula
Sporting Complex, these demographic considerations suggest: Volunteer sport organisations
a range of sport and recreation opportunities that are
The rate of volunteering in sport and recreation clubs has been
attractive across the ages should continue to be made
declining for many years. Often, the responsibility for running clubs
available at the site (e.g. both formal sport and informal
falls to one or two key personnel. However, this is not the case at
recreation activities)
Pambula, as volunteer involvement in running the Sporting Complex
with an increasing population base, sports club
remains strong. To address this issue in other cases, there is a
memberships can, at least, be maintained (although clubs
move toward amalgamations, with multi-sport clubs becoming more
should be looking to achieve increases).
common. In other cases, organisations may become aligned to larger
licensed clubs that take over some or all of the volunteers’ roles as
well as asset management responsibilities.
Some ‘professionalisation’ of clubs is also likely to take place with
volunteer positions attracting a basic remuneration. The commercial
sector will also displace some clubs by offering competitions that
allow participants to compete without any requirements to undertake
other duties (e.g. umpiring or canteen duty).
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Informal recreation trends
Park design Summary
Although an identified sportsground, many residents of the area The master plan for the Pambula Sporting Complex has been
would see the Complex as a large park available for their recreation, developed with these trends in mind. As the master plan has been
and as such, the master plan of the site has made the following developed, we have:
considerations. included the provision of a range of high quality field and
ancillary facilities
The design of a park is critical in ensuring that it is successfully
provided available spaces have been designed to accommodate
utilised by the community. Where practical, public open spaces
maximum possible use, while not impacting on club operations
should include:
developed opportunities for shared-use of key built
attractive and safe open areas with good lighting, seating, infrastructure
shade, shelters and areas for play provided increased informal recreation opportunities
well-lit, level and shaded walk/cycleways that provide links to catered for all age groups and considered the needs of the aged
open space, community, commercial areas, and public transport and less physically mobile.
(where available)
well-designed and landscaped internal roads, including safe
pedestrian road crossings and traffic management devices
range of infrastructure that supports participation by people
with disabilities, including the provision of ramps, accessible
amenities and safe pedestrian crossings.
Oppor tunity
Creating the ‘right’ park setting is essential to the community’s use With the previously-mentioned emerging trend of ‘events’
of it for both active and passive recreation. based training and group fitness classes, the proposed ring-
road within the Complex could be utilised for running and
Numerous studies highlight the need for trails linking residential cycling training.
areas with parks and other types of open spaces. Walking has
become the preferred physical activity for both men and women. Further, by utilising the adjacent aquatic centre and the
Therefore, there is a need for path systems that provide good proposed developments of the Complex, it would be possible to
connectivity between places of activity, aesthetic appeal, safety and offer events such as short-course triathlons.
convenience.
Further, the increasing popularity in ‘events’ based training (such
as that for triathlons, cycling, mini-marathons, etc) and group
fitness/’bootcamps’ training should also be considered when
determining a site’s overall design.
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Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plan - adopted 8 June 2016
Pambula Sporting Complex skate park
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Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plan - adopted 8 June 2016
Existing situation
Site elements Parking
A medium-sized sealed car park is located at the existing main entry
Site characteristics to the Complex off Pambula Beach Road, with the only other formal
parking available at the adjacent aquatic centre.
The key features of the Complex include two sports fields on the
upper level, a large open ‘field’ space on the lower level,main There are various areas across the Complex used for informal
clubhouse building, two outdoor basketball courts and skate park. A parking, particularly to the east of the AFL/cricket oval, south-west
smaller pavilion is located south of the rugby league field. of the rugby league field and in the northern area of the lower field
space.
Key facilities adjacent to the Complex are the Sapphire Aquatic
Centre and the Lumen Christi Catholic College.
Access, linkages and connectivity
Buildings and improvements Entry and access
The Pambula Sporting Complex has a range of facilities including:
Formal vehicular access within the Complex is limited, however, there
rugby league field are informal unsealed ‘roads’ accessing the main activity areas.
− competition lighting
− unshaded, stand-alone, tiered spectator seating Entry to the site off Pambula Beach Road is relatively easy, but
− shared club building with change rooms and canteen and congestion can occur at peak times. The road is not currently wide
internal viewing area on upper floor enough to allow passing traffic to continue legally when a vehicle is
AFL/cricket oval waiting to turn into the Complex from the west.
− lit oval (training level) with synthetic cricket pitch The entry is also unattractive and uninviting, with an ad-hoc
− shared club building with change rooms and canteen and collection of signs.
internal viewing area on upper floor
− two cricket practice nets
− player dugouts
Linkages and connectivity
− terraced concrete viewing area Formal pathway connections within the site are limited to around the
main clubhouse main clubhouse and two upper fields. However, informal tracks and
− change rooms ‘desire’ lines exist between all existing activity areas.
− canteen
− function room and viewing area to both fields on upper Existing connections to the adjacent aquatic centre and Catholic
level College are also informal.
− no access for people with disabilities
basketball/netball courts
− two outdoor, concrete courts
Shade
skate park Considering the site is regarded as a regional sporting facility, shade
− medium size with various elements provision across the Complex is very limited.
− shared picnic facility with basketball/netball courts, shaded Built shade facilities are almost non-existent, although the upper
and with barbecue floor of the main clubhouse does provide an internal viewing area to
lower field space both of the main playing fields.
− large, expansive area with limited facilities except for
enclosed area of pony club Natural shade exists through the mature trees concentrated at
− ad-hoc storage and temporary ancillary facilities the northern and southern areas of the AFL/cricket oval and the
other northern end of the rugby league field.
− public toilets and separate ‘can’ bar adjacent to main
clubhouse
− low-set brick building (Frank Maher Pavilion)
Signage
− woodchop arena While there is a range of signage at the main entry, it is unattractive
− large storage sheds to the south of rugby league field. and located in an ad-hoc manner on a chainwire fence. This will need
Fencing can define spaces but can also inhibit movements onto
and within the site. The existing fencing currently provides a site
perimeter and security, but it is in poor condition.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Existing entry - not inviting Multi-use courts
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Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plan - adopted 8 June 2016
Consultation summary
Demand for the future development of the Pambula Sporting Complex has been established through extensive consultation with Council,
user groups and residents, combined with site inspections, and an analysis of current trends and existing opportunities.
Consultation summary
Consultation for the development of the master plan was an essential aspect of the master planning project and included:
Councillor workshops (2)
community workshops (2 - each with 35 attendees)
online surveys (397 responses combined for the Bega and Pambula master plans)
various user/club/stakeholder interviews
various sporting association interviews.
Project awareness has been promoted through press releases, local newspapers, sportsground committees, social media and local radio.
Council
Potential opportunities and issues for consideration were discussed
with a number of Council officers and Elected Members with the
outcomes summarised as follows:
the main clubhouse has functionality issues
the pony club are currently raising funds for a new clubhouse
due to their strong growth
the Complex could accommodate soccer from the showgrounds
Council has limited involvement in the maintenance of the site
will need to maintain access for large trucks to equestrian area
there has been a push for the inclusion of squash courts
either at the Complex or the aquatic centre.
Ongoing support for Merimbula Basketball and netball as a
key element of the sportsgrounds masterplan to be included
as a campus located at Ford Park (Council Resolution 19 Sept
2018)
Community
almost 75% of respondents to the community survey felt there
was inadequate supply/number of sporting facilities in the area
almost 60% of respondents rated the quality of sporting
facilities in the area as either poor or very poor
almost two-thirds of respondents thought more work was
needed to improve the quality of sporting facilities in the area
many thought the main clubhouse was in need of an upgrade or
replacement
the need for the development of an indoor sports centre in the
area was a common comment from community members.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Draft master plan feedback
The draft master plan was publicly displayed throughout December and January, with a user group forum held early in December to allow
more detailed discussions.
Responses from the general community were limited, however, detailed responses were received from user groups through on-line
submissions and attendance at the workshop. The issues raised through this process have been addressed in amendments to the draft
master plan as outlined in the table below. The reference to the Master Plan Key is provided where relevant.
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Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plan - adopted 8 June 2016
Master plan
The master plan has been developed by considering all consultation,
appropriate strategic contexts and previous research. Further,
a number of concept options were developed, considered and
reviewed before a preferred ‘melded’ option was developed as
the basis for the master plan document. Overall, it provides an
opportunity to continue to build upon existing achievements in order
to ensure the facility meets the needs of the sporting community and
also the recreation needs of nearby residents and visitors into the
future.
The master plan integrates a number of the existing site
features with a limited range of upgraded and new elements and
improvements.
Vision
The vision for the Pambula Sporting Complex is:
to provide a regional sporting complex that caters for the
effective operations of a number of tenant clubs and user
groups now and into the future and has the ability to host
larger scale events.
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1 Bega Valley Shire Council
Facility design
The Master Plan shows the overall layout of the proposed design. The table below depicts proposed developments and rationale.
Master Plan
Element Description Rationale
reference
Sporting opportunities
renovate existing building, incorporating: to improve the functionality of the main
− disability access clubhouse
− improved canteen facilities to provide appropriate access for people with
− improved player change facilities disabilities
Main
1, 2 − storage to provide improved and consolidated
clubhouse
− improved functionality of upper floor and ancillary facilities for user groups
viewing areas to provide increased revenue opportunities
future extension to renovated clubhouse to meet through venue hire.
demand (when demonstrated).
redevelop player dugouts to improve player and spectating facilities,
AFL/cricket new cricket nets (four lanes) to replace existing especially for larger events.
3, 4, 5, 13
field provide cover over spectator areas
develop new spectator seating.
refurbish spectator seating to improve spectating facilities, especially for
Rugby league
7, 9, 10 construct terraced spectator seating (western larger events.
field
side).
construct new multi-use building to service lower to provide a consolidated and versatile
level, including: building that meets the needs of all user
− entry plaza groups, including storage
Multi-use − club facilities − current users: pony club, table tennis,
20
building − storage Agricultural Society
− amenities − possible future users: football (soccer).
− viewing areas
− canteen/kiosk.
construct two, full size football (soccer) fields to accommodate the relocation of football
with training level lighting (60 lux) and irrigation (soccer) club from showgrounds and provide
(including investigation of using grey-water for all additional playing/training opportunities for
sporting fields) cricket
install new synthetic cricket wicket to develop the Complex as a regional
16, 17,18, develop grassed spectator mound equestrian facility, able to accommodate a
Lower level 21, 22, 23, construct wash down area range of large events.
field area 24, 26, 27, develop main arena/show area
35 construct stables and holding yards
install entry gates to equestrian area
construct turf terraces overlooking whole lower
area, including relocated woodchop area (front
of 27)
possible future storage (when necessary).
Recreation opportunities
install new multi-age adventure playground. to provide increased quality informal
Adventure recreation opportunities for locals and visitors
6
playground that cater for a range of age groups
to develop the site as a destination venue.
Basketball improved access and upgrades as required to better develop aspect of Complex as a
courts and 12, 14 youth precinct, and creating a closer link with
skate park skate park
develop area as a passive recreation node and to provide a larger range of opportunities and
informal parking area parking options within the Complex
Passive
36 to provide naturally shaded passive recreation
recreation area
for participants of larger (and long duration)
events.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Master Plan
Element Description Rationale
reference
Common areas
close existing entry to provide more efficient entry to Complex
develop ring road throughout site, incorporating to improve access and traffic flows within
Entries, roads 11, 25, 28, existing aquatic centre entry and new entry/exit Complex, especially during larger events
and parking 29, 39, 40 on eastern side towards school to allow separation of Complex visitors from
incorporate new parking areas as indicated aquatic centre patrons
to provide additional parking across site.
construct 3m wide pedestrian axis to new shared to ensure connection between upper and
facility at lower level lower activity areas
develop dual use walking/trail network to ensure a safe pedestrian network is
Pathways 8, 15
throughout Complex. available throughout Complex
to provide increased recreation opportunities
within the Complex.
AFL/cricket oval
41. Investigate nose in parking to view lower fields as interest and demand
develops.
42. Existing run-off dam
43. Informal access pathway TBD during detailed design
44. Squash Courts / multi use space
(amendment Council endorsed 19 Sept 2018)
45. Ford Park Courts as Netball/Basketball campus of Sporting
Complex( amendment resolved 19 Sept 2018)
North point N
Scale: 1:1000 @ A3
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Bega Valley Shire Council
Staged implementation and indicative costing
The cost of the development of the master plan is beyond Council’s
and the community’s ability to fund in the short-term. Thus, this Estimated
Stage Area (and master plan key reference)
section provides staged budgeting. The information provided is Cost ($)*
designed as a flexible guide - changes in user group priorities or New multi-purpose fields and cricket 200,300
earlier opportunities for funding may alter staging. The adjoining wicket
table summarises indicative construction costs based on a quantity
surveyor’s report. The costs exclude GST and do not include costs Field irrigation - including 80,000
associated with detailed feasibility, design, approvals and legal costs investigation of using grey water on
that may apply locally of for the particular project. sporting fields
New multi-use club and functions 600,000
Priority/Stage 1 (short-term) building
1
New multi-purpose fields and cricket wicket Wash-down area 103,125
New multi-use club and functions building
Wash-down area All weather stables and holding yard 150,025
All weather stables and holding yard Turfed terraces and relocated 30,000
Turfed terraces and relocated woodchop area woodchop area
Entry gates into arena/show area Entry gates into arena/show area 20,000
Priority/Stage 2 (medium-term) Stage 1 Sub-total (with rounding) 1,183,000
Renovation of existing main clubhouse Renovation of existing main 338,000
Redevelopment of player’s dugout and spectator seating clubhouse
New crickets (four-lane)
Ring road and car parking, main complex entry Redevelopment of player’s dugout 39,900
Car parking for cars/trailers/floats and spectator seating
Pedestrian access path New cricket nets (four-lane) 100,000
Secondary site exit
2 Ring road and car parking, main 786,650
Priority/Stage 3 (long-term) complex entry
Refurbishment/new spectator seating Car parking for cars/trailers/floats 281,550
Adventure playground Pedestrian access path 41,340
Path/trail network throughout site
Turf spectator mound Secondary site exit 61,920
Scoreboard Stage 2 Sub-total (with rounding) 1,650,000
Field lighting
Storage area Refurbishment/new spectator 187,740
Passive recreation area seating
Shaded viewing shelters Adventure playground 120,000
Subsurface drainage. Path/trail network throughout site 36,888
Turf spectator mound 15,444
Scoreboards 50,000
3
Field lighting 150,000
Storage area 10,000
Passive recreation area 19,250
Shaded viewing shelters 50,000
Subsurface drainage 27,456
Priorities Stage 3 Sub-total (with rounding) 667,000
Sub-total (with rounding) 3,500,000
Contingency and sundry site works (10%) 350,000
Sub-total (with rounding) 3,850,000
Escalation (2%) 77,000
TOTAL (excl GST) 3,927,000
* Cost estimates are construction costs (exc GST) and do not include
costs associated with detailed feasibility, design, approvals and legal
costs that may apply locally of for the particular project.
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Bega Valley Shire Council
recreation
open space
and sport
specialists