Pambula Sporting Complex Multi-Use Pavilion

A key aspect of the development of the Bega and Pambula Sporting Complex Master Plans was that they were carried out at the same time. This was so the differences between the sites could be seen as an advantage and their potential roles and uses could complement each other. The dual master plan approach adds value to the sites, the local surrounds and together they create a ‘hub’ of facilities in the Bega Valley that cover a very broad range of uses, sporting codes and community events that will service many users across the broader region and bring increased local and regional participation in sports and recreational activities.  This multi-use approach has been an important part grant funding submissions, promoting the projects and sourcing funding.

Short answer. Yes.

Longer answer. The initial funding applications were submitted in 2018 on cost estimates included in the site Master Plans. Since that time, and since 2020 in particular, construction cost has escalated significantly and compounded. This has made funding a challenge. Council is committed to both the Pambula and Bega Sports Building projects and is advocating for the projects to make sure the projects are adequately funded before going to tender.

At the Council meeting on 18 May 2022 Council considered a report giving an overview of the funding challenges (described above) for the Bega and Pambula projects. A copy of the report is on Council’s website. Council made the very difficult decision to direct funding to the Bega project to enable it to progress. The reasons for this were the poorer status of the existing facilities in Bega, the need and benefit for a Regional Multi-Use facility in the Shire (to attract major events such as NRL, A League and Rugby matches and community events) and the Pambula project having development approval, meeting a lot of typical grant funding criteria’s and being ‘shovel ready’ making it attractive to external funding partners in it’s own right. Council is continuing to work on funding applications for the Pambula Building project.

The new building will replace the existing Frank Mahar Pavilion, public toilets and sports clubhouse. The buildings will be demolished. It is intended to retain the Frank Mahar pavilion until construction is complete.

The initial applications were based on Master Plans. There are several steps Council needs to work through in these types of projects. Forming and working with Project Control Groups (user group representatives), procurement of design services, concept plan development and endorsement, environmental assessments, planning and other approvals, various professional consultancy reviews and reports, detail design, tendering and procurement and then construction. Think of planning and building a house from scratch; then add complexity by balancing a range of user needs and requirements in the construction and management of public buildings; then scale it up to reflect the cost.

The challenges experienced in the shire over the past two years have also led to project delays. 

The building has been the major project at the PSC site so far but there has been progress on other items at the same time. Another grant was successful for improvements to the equestrian area and these works have been completed. The Ford Park Courts (referenced in the PSC Master Plan) have been completed. The new squash / multi use courts have also been completed and just await official opening.

Preliminary design work is underway for other items including carparking and traffic improvements, power upgrade(substation) and AFL floodlighting upgrades. A funding application was submitted for power and lighting upgrades but was unsuccessful. Council will continue to look at external funding opportunities for these items.

At the Council meeting on 18 May 2022 Council considered a report giving an overview of the funding challenges (described above) for the Bega and Pambula projects A copy of the report is on Councils website. Council made the difficult decision to direct funding to the Bega project to enable it to progress. The reasons for this was the poorer status of the existing facilities in Bega, the need and benefit for a Regional Multi Use facility in the Shire (to attract major events such as NRL, A League and Rugby matches and community events) and that the Pambula project was shovel ready and a good stand alone project to attract funding in it own right. Council is working on funding applications for the Pambula Building project.