General News
5 April, 2022
Streetscape fails to secure tender
CORANGAMITE Shire councillors were given an update on the controversial Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project.
CORANGAMITE Shire councillors were given an update on the controversial Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project.
The update was provided at the request of Coast Ward Cr Jamie Vogels, who called for information on the project at the February Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The project – which has been in the works for a number of years – is the largest single project the shire has ever undertaken, according to shire manager growth and engagement Rory Neeson.
In the report to council he said the project “specifically addresses the public realm component of Port Campbell and proposes investment in upgrading and improving areas along the streetscape of Lord Street, Tregea Street, Morris Street and the foreshore area along Cairns Street.”
Mr Neeson said the $15.6 million project has received funding from both the state and federal government.
He said the tender for the project was advertised prior to Christmas.
“Unfortunately, no tenders were received for the project with council seeking feedback from companies who downloaded the tender documentation package but chose not to reply to find out why they did not submit a tender,” Mr Neeson said.
“This feedback cited market conditions, the release date of the tender, COVID outbreaks during the tender period limiting the ability of the business to respond and staff shortages.
“Council is using this feedback to consider alternate options for procurement. Options include reissuing the request for tender as originally published, splitting the tender into different sections to allow smaller companies to bid for the project or changing the works schedule in terms of the year or timing for specific parts of the project.
“A change in the schedule and timing of works could mitigate risk around pricing and contractor availability.”
The project continues to cause tension in the community, with residents raising a series of concerns over the project in recent months on social media.
Mr Neeson said as the project moves into the construction phase council has a “renewed commitment to continue to work closely with the community and businesses”.
“To address some of the concerns voiced about communications and engagement, council has put in place, through the new project charter and governance arrangements, a formal communications and engagement plan,” he said.
“Members of the community who haven’t nominated for the Community and Business Reference Group (CBRG) are encouraged to do so via the expressions of interest form on the project website and any project-specific interactions between the community and councillors or staff will be reported to the CBRG.
“In addition, council is currently in negotiations with a building owner in Lord Street to establish a project office where locals and visitors can come and speak directly with staff about the project and learn more about the different aspects and outcomes the project aims to deliver.”
Councillors said they were listentening to concerns raised about the project.
“I appreciate there are some concerns,” Cr Ruth Gstrein said.
“We certainly are listening to what you
are saying.”
Cr Kate Makin said this was just the start of the process.
“There will always be teething problems with any streetscape. We just need to let the works happen and we work through them as they come along,” she said.
“Yes there’s been lots of interest from the local community. I understand their concerns, but we know what we’re doing. We’ve done it before.
“We’ve had plenty of consultation; just let us start the process.”