Council's building boom to begin

Published on 22 June 2021

More than $2.5 million of capital works will proceed within the coming months after Gannawarra Shire Council awarded three project tenders at the June 2021 Council Meeting.

The projects - the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre expansion, Kerang CBD Redevelopment – Stage 2 and Murrabit Township Stormwater Project – were placed out for tender between April and June 2020, with Council receiving nine tenders across the three projects.

“Council thanks all who developed tender proposals for these works, which will benefit residents both now and into the future,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“These three projects form part of the $16.542 million capital works program Council will roll out during 2021/2022, highlighted by town developments, investment in recreational facility improvements and supporting tourism initiatives.”

The Murrabit Township Stormwater Project will proceed after S&R Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd was awarded the tender for the $1.1 million project.

“This project will revolutionise Murrabit by converting its current open drain stormwater network to an underground drainage infrastructure system,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“These improvements will reduce the amount of standing water present within the township and as such, reduce the risk of mosquito borne diseases such as Ross River fever and Murray Valley encephalitis.

“This project is made possible thanks to Phase 2 of the Federal Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program, with Council receiving $1.1 million of funding for projects that will support the local economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Local employer, David Knight Building Services will complete the expansion of the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre after being awarded the tender for the $602,000 works.

To be completed by the end of 2021, the project involves the extension of the current building to enable the construction of an extra room, enabling the facility to host three-year-old kindergarten sessions from 2022.

“These works will ensure Council fulfils the State Government’s goal of providing funded three-year-old kindergarten to all children, with it being anticipated that approximately 50 children will be looking to enrol in this service at Kerang in 2022,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“These works, supported by the Victorian Schools Building Authority, will also support other services provided onsite, with the number of places available at the centre to increase from 95 to 126.”     

Meanwhile, The Trustee for Rankin Earthworks Civil & Construction will oversee improvements along Scoresby Street, Kerang between Fitzroy and Victoria streets after being awarded the tender for the Kerang CBD Redevelopment – Stage 2.

“Inspired by the award-winning Victoria Square and Kerang Open Space precinct, improvements to Scoresby Street, Kerang between Fitzroy and Victoria streets will build on works previously undertaken to connect the Kerang Railway Station, CBD and Sir John Gorton Precinct,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“These works, which include footpath improvements and installation of new seating areas, will provide spaces where residents and visitors can socialise and explore what Kerang has to offer.

“Like the Murrabit Township Stormwater Project, these works are funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program, with Council receiving $1.317 million to support local jobs and projects.”

Council will keep residents updated on the all three projects via its website, Facebook page, Gannawarra News and Gannawarra Connect.