Grant money boosts Pemberton project momentum
MEDIA RELEASE - Grant money boosts Pemberton project momentum
November 2016
The partnership between the Pemberton Community Resource Centre, Pemberton Visitor Centre and Shire of Manjimup Public Library (the project partners) to develop a new facility where the three services will be co-located under one roof has received a $50,000 grant to take the project to the next stage.
The funding has been awarded through the WA Community Resource Centre Network Building and Infrastructure Fund and Regional Collocation Scheme which is administered by the Department of Regional Development for the Royalties for Regions Program. The funding application was submitted by the Pemberton Community Resource Centre on behalf of the project partners. The funds will assist in the procurement of detailed development plans and construction estimates to determine the best "value for money" site from two shortlisted premises; the Old Pemberton School and the Pemberton Sports Club.
Community Resource Centre Manager, Sarah-Jayne Griffiths, stated "The success of the grant application is in recognition of the urgent need to relocate the three services and the willingness of the project partners to work collaboratively to develop and manage a new purpose built facility."
Extensive investigations and stakeholder consultations to determine the best Pemberton site for the new facility were conducted from February to May 2016 and resulted in the shortlisting of two sites from a number of possible options. However, both sites have existing structures and features that will impact on the development's potential both in terms of design and cost.
"The financial cost to develop a new facility will be a key driver in making the final decision," said Shire President, Wade DeCampo. "Regardless of which site is chosen, some demolition will be required to make way for new structures and in the case of the school, we have heritage issues to consider," said Cr DeCampo, adding that community feedback was clear that the school is valued as a heritage icon.
"The school is the preferred site and, all things being equal, that's where we want to be," said project partner and Pemberton Visitor Centre President, Mark Hudson, "but we have to know we can afford it before we commit to that path. This funding means we won't have to wonder anymore".
Once this stage of the project is completed, and the comparative costs of development are clearer, a final decision will be made as to whether the project will go ahead at the Old Pemberton School site or the Pemberton Sports Club.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President
Contact: 0427 094 081
Contact to arrange photo opportunity: Hsien Harper, Project Officer
Contact: 0466 488 699
