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Tuesday 9 June 2009

Council to grant $1.2 million to Clutha Recreation Centre

The Clutha District Council has agreed to provide a grant of up to $1.2 million to the proposed Clutha Recreation Centre.

The decision was made as Council finalises its Long Term Council Community Plan 2009-19, and follows extensive consultation and feedback from the public.

The idea of a Clutha Recreation Centre has come from the community. It would be a multi-use sporting and recreation centre, intended to incorporate up to six netball courts which will be able to be used for other activities such as indoor hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball volleyball and cricket.

The estimated cost of the proposed facility is about $4 million. Council has agreed to provide 30% of the cost of the facility (up to $1.2 million) subject to the following conditions:

• The proposed centre getting 100% commitment from proposed key user groups, particularly netball.

• The community group overseeing the proposal secures the remaining 70% of the funds needed.

• Long Term Plan consultation confirming support for the facility.

Council Chief Executive Charles Hakkaart said that around two-thirds of Long Term Plan survey respondents supported the proposal for Council to help fund the centre, which will be built on the current Dreaver Courts site in Balclutha.  

Mr Hakkaart said Council had also received 24 submissions from various sports groups, organisations and individuals in support of the proposed centre.

Council voted to fund its contribution by an even 50/50 split between Balclutha ratepayers and by ratepayers from across the district. This would see a median value Balclutha property pay $22 on its Community Services rate from 2012/13, while all properties across the district (including Balclutha) would pay an extra $8 on their Uniform Annual General Charge from 2012/13.