Capital Projects Update

In this month's Update, we provide an overview of the Council's Capital Projects, highlighting achievements over the past seven months and outlining strategic decisions regarding project deferrals. Additionally, we address community concerns relating to Council’s commitment to financial sustainability as we start to develop the strategic plan for the next 4-5 years.

Project Achievements Over the Past Seven Months

The past seven months have been a whirlwind of activity as we’ve been busy working on delivering numerous projects to enhance our community. We have made significant progress across many of the projects that were allocated funding in the 2023-24 budget. Here's a quick rundown of what we've been up to:

• Approximately $200K has been spent delivering stage 2 of the Community Garden, the CHSP on demand service, tree trimming, hosting and sponsoring major events such as the Festival of Nature and Australia Day Citizen of the Year celebrations, implementing the Economic Development Strategy, conserving our coastlines with the Coastal Conservation team and Fleurieu Coast Community Nursery and Community Revegetation Program, and supporting our community through the delivery of grants.

• $4.1 million has been utilised for new construction and improvements (capital works) and we have seen some remarkable achievements, such as the completion of the Surf Life Saving Club and Café/Kiosk and enhancing the Normanville Foreshore. The funds have also enabled the finalisation of the Yankalilla Library car park, the purchase of new plant equipment to enable safe and efficient township maintenance and upkeep and work on sealing Scenic Way.

• About $1.6 million has been invested in replacement and renewal work on our sealed and unsealed road network, recreational spaces, the Blacker Road Bridge replacement and replacement of large plant and equipment that has reached the end of its useful life.

In the first seven months of the year, we’ve achieved close to $6 million worth of planned work, already surpassing what Council would have ordinarily achieved over a full 12-month period prior to the COVID stimulus funds and resulting major capital project delivery.

Strategic Decision for Deferral:

Despite these achievements, it's always important to recognise the evolving financial landscape and adjust our course accordingly if necessary. Following a thorough evaluation, we’ve made the decision to defer some projects initially planned for this year to the next financial year. This decision wasn't made lightly, but it's crucial for maintaining our commitment to financial sustainability.

We've observed a trend of carrying forward approximately $5 million from past budgets without sufficient income to cover them. In the past, Council has been able to borrow funds from the Local Government Financing Authority. This has allowed Council to pay for the projects now and spread the repayment of these loans across the generations who will benefit from the investment. Council has now reached the end of its large borrowing peak, and in order to balance things out, we're postponing certain projects until we have adequate funds to complete them without borrowing. We need to ensure that we are not carrying forward obligations without the income to pay for them.

These projects include cemetery works, new plant purchases (such as dedicated Roadside Vegetation Management units), flooring upgrades in pet-friendly budget rooms at the BIG4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park, the Range Road Renewal project and the Tjilbruke marker site project. A full list of the deferred projects can be found in the tables below. By delaying these projects, we can concentrate on taking care of what we already have with some much-needed maintenance activities.

Community Engagement and Future Direction:

As we make these strategic adjustments, we're seeking your thoughts on what Council should prioritise in the next 4-5 years. This aligns with our ongoing community engagement efforts outlined in our 'Our DCY: Vision 2030' project.

We want to understand your priorities, challenges and aspirations. Whether you choose to share your thoughts online or attend our engagement events, your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our community.

Ensuring our financial sustainability is paramount. With access to loans reaching its peak, we must spend funds in the year they're received and balance our resource needs with our capabilities.

Despite deferring some projects, we're proud of the significant achievements we've made through leveraging grants and borrowing. These efforts have delivered transformative investments benefiting our community and visitors.

Proposed Projects for Deferral  (Recommendation to go to Audit & Risk Committee in February, followed by the Council Meeting in March).

We are pleased to provide an update on Council’s capital projects, which are progressing well. All information is current as of the time of publishing.

View the plans and read the monthly updates below on:

• Library & Carpark
• Normanville Foreshore and BIG4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park Masterplan
  • Normanville Foreshore
  • BIG4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park Cabins
  • Normanville Surf Life Saving Club and Café/Kiosk
• Rapid Bay Amenities Block

Library & Carpark

A new multi-use Library facility is being constructed at 181 Main South Road Yankalilla. The journey to building a new Library has been 7 years in the making and after much community input, and consultation with our Community Library Advisory Group, local building designer Harmonic Design has delivered a modern functional design that integrates old and new, celebrating the past and building for the future.

Funding & Funding Partners

Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program $490,000.00

Commonwealth of Australia – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications $250,000.00

Council Contribution  $1,133,500.00

Total Capital Cost -  $1,873,500.00

Read more and view the plans here.

Latest News

Library Build:

Practical completion for the construction of the new library building was issued prior to its official opening, with a defect inspection undertaken at this time. All defects identified by the project team as critical have now been completed by Building Solutions (the Builder) within the initial prescribed period. However, several other identified defects remain outstanding and others are inappropriately rectified.

Discussions around remedying the defects are progressing in line with each parties’ obligations under the contract.

At the time of preparing this report, Council, the Builder and Superintendent have held a dispute resolution conference in accordance with clause 42 of the AS4000 Contract. Further discussion is ongoing between the Builder, Superintendent and Council working towards resolving all matters outstanding under the contract.

Notwithstanding the above, the project remains under a defect liability period until January 2024 with responsibility under the contract for the Builder to complete any work to rectify defects during this time, including any additional defects identified. Council holds a bank guarantee as security, to be released once all contract matters are resolved and the contract reaches final completion.

Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Masterplan

Normanville Foreshore is set to become safer more inclusive and even better with Council adopting the detailed Masterplan at the July 2021 Council meeting. The plan will revitalize the foreshore with new dining areas, a new Surf Life Saving Club, more recreation space, improved access while protecting the heritage sand dunes. Safety will be improved for pedestrians by reconfiguring the road, carpark and providing the Surf Club direct access to the beach from their clubhouse. The foreshore will become more inclusive with improved access to the jetty, beach and Surf Club removing barriers for those living with a disability, mobility issue or simply pushing a pram.  We know Normanville Foreshore holds a special place in the hearts of many, so we plan to make it even better by creating more recreation space with the addition of a nature play space while maintaining the same amount of lawns, carparks and maintaining boat launching access.

Local Government is at its best when listening and acting on feedback from the community, our Masterplan has been improved with over 20 changes based on community feedback. The project has an emphasis on supporting local including, creating local jobs, using local suppliers, supporting local businesses and providing improved facilities for the local community. The Masterplan has been over five years in the making and Council has now successfully secured over $8 million in external funding towards the project.

Download the plan here: Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Masterplan July 2021

Your Say Yankalilla: Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club & Café/Kiosk | Your Say Yankalilla

Delivery of the Masterplan consists of the 3 following projects:

Normanville Foreshore

Funding & Funding Partners

State Government - Open Space and Places for People Grant Program from the Planning and Development Fund $2,100,000.00

Council Contribution  $463,650.00

Total Capital Cost - $2,563,650.00

Download the plans here: Normanville Foreshore Site Works

Latest News

Neo Infrastructure are continuing work on Stage 2 of the Normanville Foreshore Upgrade, with stormwater drainage works and extension to the existing concrete retaining walls completed.

Preparation work for the exposed aggerate concrete plaza is ongoing with concrete work expected to commence in the final week of October 2023. Neo Infrastructure is expecting to complete the stage 2 works in early November 2023 (weather permitting).

Once all hardscape works are completed as part of Stage 2, Council’s Parks and Gardens staff will complete the soft landscaping and lay new turf in front of the SLSC & Café/ Kiosk. Site fencing is to be removed to coincide with the completion of the SLSC & Café/ Kiosk build, allowing access for the community to the new plaza area.

Stage 2 will require the temporary closure of the old beach access ramp while works are being undertaken. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the new beach access with directional signage to be erected onsite. Once works are completed this ramp will be reopened to the public.

Downer Group are currently programmed to undertake the reseal of the Foreshore Carpark, from the Big 4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park entrance in early November. It is expected that the work will require total closure of the car park to the public for two days for safety. Once the exact dates of these works are confirmed Council will provide advanced notice via various media platforms and through localised signage.

Wheel stops are ready to be installed in the car parking area once the resurfacing works are complete. These wheel stops will be installed for all car parks fronting footpath areas within the foreshore.

BIG4 Normanville Jetty Holiday Park

The District Council of Yankalilla has revealed the design and configuration of the 23 new single-story cabins to be constructed in the Council owned Jetty Caravan Park as part of the Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Masterplan. Council believes the designs present an attractive new accommodation offering in the Fleurieu Peninsula with the potential to attract year-round interest. A total of six cabins styles have been selected to meet a diverse range of accommodation needs, ranging from the open-plan studio-style Beachcomer range to the spacious Beach Breeze two-bedroom cabins that have verandas perfect for those who like to entertain al fresco. Three cabins, in The Tide range, have full disability access whilst other configurations include Jetty View, Normanville, and The Dune which are all two-bedroom cabins ideal for families, couples or groups of friends.

Funding & Funding Partners

State Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program $2,045,450.00

Federal Government’s Building Better Regions funding program $2,045,450.00

Council Contribution $2,917,450.00

Total Capital Cost -  $7,008,350.00

View the plan here.

Latest News

Following a presentation to Elected Members in August which was held in confidence due to commercially sensitive information being discussed, Council’s primary focus has been on a more detailed exploration into two potential management models for the park.

Recognising the importance of selecting a single management model for the park's future, the Administration has taken the initiative to conduct a thorough evaluation of two out of the six models previously considered. This evaluation encompasses financial, governance, and risk aspects.

1. Management License Model
2. Section 42 Committee (Subsidiary)

A separate report is currently in the process of being prepared for Council's review and consideration, with the intent of advancing a preferred model in the coming months. Initially, this report will be presented to the Council's Audit and Risk Committee as part of the October Agenda, following which it will be presented to the Council along with a recommendation from the committee.

Normanville Surf Life Saving Club & Café/Kiosk

The District Council of Yankalilla has approved plans for the combined rebuild of the Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club & Café/Kiosk as part of Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Masterplan.  At a Special Meeting on 30 September 2021, Council voted in favour of co-funding the ambitious redevelopment of the popular foreshore facilities and to progress the project to the planning and tender stages. Council has resolved to commit $1.15m to the rebuilding of the Surf Lifesaving Club whilst the balance of the $3.5M development will come from Government grant funding as well as the club itself. Council will also contribute $1.6m for the rebuild of the Kiosk/Café component and $300,000 for rear access and a shared public toilet facility that will form part of modern, multi-tenant community facility all under one roof.

This is a timely and considered investment in our community that will bring economic stimulus and job opportunities whilst positioning our community as a highly-attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in. This major infrastructure upgrade will propel the club to new heights in every way and we look forward to bringing the project to fruition for the benefit of the local community, We are investing in local people and making our community a better place to live in whilst also helping to reduce the rates burden through income generation. Key to the success of the project is the balance between the three tenancies that will share the new combined facility. Council’s next steps are to determine the makeup of the future leases of the building, which will include upfront costs, annual leases, length of tenure, layout and areas under lease. We will seek to confirm (in the planning stages) the ultimate configuration of the tenancies – and the kiosk and restaurant components in particular – to ensure the best outcome for tenants, users and of course, the 5500 rate-payers who are ultimately co-funding this development. Consultation with existing tenants is ongoing and we are confident we will deliver an outcome that works for all existing or future partners, also taking into account that that the new facility should not detract from the many other eateries in and around Normanville.

Funding & Funding Partners

State Government - SAFECOM $2,319,000.00

Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club $455,400.00

Council Contribution $4,104,504.00

Total Capital Cost - $6,878,904.00

Download the plans here: Normanville Surf Life Saving Club + Kiosk Plans September 2021

Video walk-through of Normanville Surf Life Saving Club and Cafe/Kiosk: here

Your Say Yankalilla: Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club & Café/Kiosk | Your Say Yankalilla

Tenancy/Lease Arrangements Normanville Surf Life Saving Club & Café/Kiosk report: here

Latest News

The Normanville SLSC & Cafe/Kiosk project is progressing well on multiple fronts. The interior work is advancing with wall and ceiling linings and the installation of hard flooring in public restrooms. Meanwhile, external civil preparation is also underway, with concrete works expected to commence in the coming weeks. This progress confirms that the project is moving steadily towards its completion goals while maintaining a good level of efficiency.

Interior Works - The project is making significant progress on the interior. The focus is currently on wall and ceiling linings, a crucial step in ensuring the building's structural integrity and aesthetics. These linings provide a smooth and finished appearance and serve functional purposes like insulation and soundproofing.

Flooring Installation - The team has started the installation of hard flooring, specifically tiles, in the public restrooms (WCs). The choice of tiles indicates attention to both durability and aesthetics. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas like public restrooms. This step brings us one step closer to completing these facilities for public use.

External Civil Preparation - Beyond the building's interior, significant progress is being made in external civil preparation. This involves the groundwork and infrastructure necessary to support the building. The mention of concrete works in coming weeks, refers to concrete pouring for works on foundations, pathways and other external structures, ensuring the stability and accessibility of the facility.

Upcoming Milestones: Concrete pours scheduled for a few weeks' time will be a key milestone to watch for. Concrete pouring is often a significant step in construction and its completion will mark a major achievement in the project's timeline.

The efforts of the construction team have been instrumental in attaining substantial milestones, thereby guaranteeing that the construction project stays on course and adheres to the predetermined timeline.

Normanville SLSC & Cafe/Kiosk Tenancy Leases

At its August 2023 special meeting, Council resolved to enter into formal leasing arrangements with two proposed tenants of the key spaces within the new Normanville SLSC & Cafe/Kiosk building: The Normanville Surf Life Saving Club INC. on non-commercial terms; and Kenton Day (Firkin Burger PTY LTD) on commercial terms. Further details on the Council resolutions can be found on Council website within the August Special Council Meeting minutes.

Public Consultation on the leases, a requirement of Section 202(2) of the Local Government Act 1999 and Councils Public Consultation Policy, commenced on Thursday 24 August and concluded on Thursday 14 September 2023.

A further report to Council on the outcomes of the Public Consultation will be tabled at an upcoming meeting of the Council.

On Tuesday 3 October 2023 an Elected Member Forum was held where a presentation by the CEO, Director Assets and Environment and representatives from Wallmans Lawyers provided details on key lease elements, with input provided by Elected Members ahead of lease finalisation. Draft Leases for both tenants are currently being drawn up by Wallmans Lawyers and will be distributed to the Lessees as part of the formal negotiations.

Rapid Bay Amenities Block

Despite recent and fruitful discussions with project partner (and major funding source) Adelaide Brighton Cement (AdBri), we have received confirmation from AdBri regarding their withdrawal from the amenities block construction. This decision stems from a significant cost increase, exceeding double the initial estimate provided by the quantity surveyor's first report.

It is prudent for us to address this matter now, rather than proceeding with construction and encountering substantial, unfunded expenses.

AdBri has demonstrated its commitment to our local and South Australian communities and remains dedicated to monitoring the regional construction landscape, with the goal of finding a viable path forward for the amenity’s facility.

This news on the project has been shared with the original funding partner via Senator Andrew McLachlan on his recent visit.

Both Adbri and Council share a desire to progress this initiative, given the time and resources invested thus far and the well-established need for improved local amenities to the various users and visitors of this world-renowned dive site.

While the funding initially secured through the Building Better Regions Fund is no longer viable in light of the updated cost estimates, we believe that the Growing Regions Program may offer a more sustainable alternative.  It is also noted that the BBRF allocation is unable to be transferred to other worthy local projects and a reallocation is a decision of the Commonwealth Government.

Administration will explore alternative funding options and look to continue a collaboration with AdBri through a future re-scoped project.