Answers to Questions

Clare Oval Site Redevelopment

In reply to Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (2 March 2017).

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government): I have been advised:

The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council have applied to the Commonwealth Government for a Building Better Regions grant to support the Clare Oval Redevelopment Project.

The Infrastructure Projects stream of the commonwealth government's Building Better Regions Fund opened on 18 January 2017 and closed on 28 February 2017.

To be considered for a Building Better Regions Grant, for a project of this type the applicant must show that they have secured half of the total project costs.

I am advised that the total cost of the Clare Oval Redevelopment Project is $10.47 million dollars.

I note that the Office for Recreation and Sports has met with the council on 20 December 2016 and advised that the level of funding sought falls outside their funding programs.

Accordingly, the Clare and Gilbert Valley council wrote to the Premier, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, and me as Minister for Regional Development on 14 February 2017 seeking a commitment to provide $3 million towards this project. This was two weeks prior to the close of applications for the commonwealth's Building Better Regions program.

The Government recognises the importance of community facilities to South Australian regional centres. The proposal to redevelop the Clare Valley Sports and Recreation Precinct presents an exciting opportunity for the Clare and surrounding district community, focusing on additional and improved sports and recreation facilities.

Regrettably, given the limited time provided to undertake an appropriate assessment of the proposal, the government was unable to accommodate this funding request at this time.

However, acknowledging the proposal's anticipated benefits, I would encourage the council to pursue future opportunities to apply for funding under the Building Better Regions Fund.

The Office for Recreation and Sport has advised of a separate funding proposal from the council for the development of the Watervale Community and Sports Centre. I am advised this would fit within the Community Recreation Sport Facility Program requirements, which the ORS administers.

I note also that the government has recently provided the council with an in-principle funding commitment for the development of a new bridge in Auburn to replace the existing railway bridge, forming part of the Riesling Trail.