The Gawler Council Football and Associated Sporting Clubs Future Infrastructure Needs Working Group recently visited the Barossa Council to hear firsthand how the council has been able to invest over $38 million into its keep sporting facilities over the past few years.
The Working Group consists of Gawler Council elected members and staff, representatives from the Willaston, Gawler Central and South Gawler sporting groups, and local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said the tour of some of the new facilities and the financial briefing provided, were an eye opener. “I was amazed at what the Barossa Council have been able to achieve in such a short time,” said Mr Piccolo.
“While the Council acknowledged it had made some errors in the delivery of aspects of the “Big Project” it has a great deal to be proud of.”
“The way the Barossa Council have integrated their long-term financial plans and infrastructure needs has meant they have made this huge investment without blowing up their budget or sending their debt sky rocketing.”
Barossa Council have undertaken major upgrades to the Tanunda and Angaston Football, and Nuriootpa Soccer precincts with plans for Lyndoch Oval currently under consideration.
Mr Piccolo said the fact the Council has been able to deliver these outcomes and at the same time keeping rate increases at or below CPI does indicate strong and disciplined leadership.
“They have a clear vision for the future infrastructure needs of their community,’ said Mr Piccolo.
“I was impressed by the fact that the Council have undertaken a number of internal reforms to free up capital for these important community infrastructure projects.”
“Having read in the local newspapers recently that the Gawler Council is facing some financial difficulties, makes the work of the working group, in my opinion, more urgent and important,” said Mr Piccolo.
“I think we need to be humble and smart enough to be prepared to learn from the success of our brother and sister councils.”