Federal funding finances much needed makeover

CITY of Mount Gambier is pleased to announce the completion of a major upgrade to Frew Park amenities, including the design and construction of new public toilets, road sealing, stormwater drainage improvements, new fencing and seating upgrades.

The $486,995 project was made possible through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program – Phase 4.

The LRCI program facilitates community infrastructure projects for Council owned assets that are primarily for the use and benefit of the local community.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said the LRCI program was about putting funds directly into the hands of local councils to deliver projects that responded to local priorities.

“Upgrades like those at Frew Park not only enhance the amenity and usability of public spaces, they support jobs and help councils deliver for their communities without burdening local ratepayers,” Mr Pasin said.

Key upgrades include:

Modernised public amenities, including new change room facilities for use of the Mil Lel Cricket club.

Replacement of the picket fence surrounding the oval.

Construction of a new internal roadway.

Replacement of bench seats and associated landscaping.

Improved drainage infrastructure.

Installation of a CCTV security system.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the project enhances the functionality, accessibility and visual appeal for both residents and visitors.

“Frew Park is a significant recreational space within our city, regularly used by the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association, Sunset Community Kitchen and the Mount Gambier Toy Library,” Mayor Martin said. “These improvements not only support these local sporting and community groups, but also enhance the experience for the community and visitors to our city.”

City of Mount Gambier Manager Operations Infrastructure Karl Manarangi said said work to reseal the original access road into Frew Park began in October last year.

“The road got very muddy after a lot of rain, so the stormwater drainage system in the area was improved and we installed a cul-de-sac to allow vehicles to turn around,” he said.

The reconstruction of the old toilet block facility at Frew Park began in February this year.

“We refurbished the female toilets, installed epoxy flooring, retiled the walls, converted the urinal in the male toilets into three toilets and installed ambulant and disabled toilet facilities,” Mr Manarangi said.

Council also installed two showers and a change room facility for the use of Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association.

Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association president Robert Drenthen said with female cricket coming in, this facility will make it a lot better for players, enabling them to have a shower and get changed with some privacy.

“They have done a really good job,” Mr Drenthen said.

Team leader Jeff Redwood said 312 rails were cut to length and angles were cut to allow for the oval shape, about 160 posts were cut to length with the tops cut to points and they also cut 4836 pickets and drilled 9344 holes to fix them on.

The men spent about 84 hours on the project over the course of seven weeks.

Council painted the pickets with white paint and installed them on site.

The City of Mount Gambier acknowledges the Australian Government for its support in the delivery of this important community infrastructure project.