A RIVERLAND council is seeking government funding for a $5 million project to relocate Loxton’s library and visitor information centre and construct a new public toilet block.
At their December council meeting, District Council of Loxton Waikerie elected members passed a motion to support funding applications for the project, after significant debate between councillors regarding the overall cost.
Councillors also voted to direct CEO David Beaton to “make every endeavour” to reduce the cost of the project prior to lodgement of the grant applications.
Works on the public toilet include almost $60,000 for landscaping around the site to “allow more public seating in East Terrace to encourage tourists and visitors to eat and then shop in the CBD”.
In a project scoping report provided to council, Mr Beaton said the project was subject to a successful state or federal government funding bid that would cover 50 per cent of the total cost.
During the meeting, elected members debated for and against the project, with some arguing the cost was too extravagant.
Mr Beaton attributed the increased expense to a “need to restore and maintain the current council offices because of its heritage listing and current building defects”.
Mr Beaton said the project would allow for the replacement of the “poor-quality and smelly public toilets” in Loxton and the refurbishment of the mould-affected council building.
“Council has long-term goals for the development of its buildings to achieve the greatest community value for money and highest service delivery,” he said.
“This project, if funded, would address these parameters and provide greater public amenity for the medium term.”
Mr Beaton said council would seek funding through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the State Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Program.
Advice on the success of grant applications is expected between March and May, with building work potentially to begin in November or December for completion in the 2021/22 financial year.