Shellharbour Council Commits to Shell Cove Sports Field Despite Tender Setback
Shellharbour City Council has made a firm commitment to construct the Shell Cove sports field, even after unanimously rejecting all tenders submitted for the project. Councillor Kellie Marsh assured the community that this decision does not signal a loss of interest but rather a strategic shift to direct negotiations with contractors.
Project Details and Community Impact
The planned sports field, located at 200 Harbour Boulevard, is designed to serve multiple purposes: hosting Australian rules football during the winter months and cricket in the summer. This facility will also replace the cricket field currently at Jock Brown Oval, which is set to be removed as part of its reconfiguration. The need for this sports field has been recognized since as far back as 2005, highlighting its long-standing importance to the local community.
Council's Decision and Rationale
At a recent council meeting, councillors voted to reject all 12 tenders for the construction of the fields. Instead, they opted to pursue direct negotiations with potential contractors. Cr Marsh emphasized that this approach is intended to deliver a better outcome by allowing for more flexible and efficient project management. "I just want to send a clear message to the community that council and councillors are 100 per cent committed to delivering the Shell Cove sports fields," she stated.
Benefits of Direct Negotiations
Council staff explained the advantages of this method, noting that direct negotiations can expedite the tender process. A council officer said, "By negotiating directly, it allows us to basically expedite the tender process. If we were to go back for an open tender process, it would draw out the tender period itself, which would impact our ability to meet our grant milestones." Additionally, the project will be split into two phases:
- Early works: This phase includes drainage and irrigation systems, lighting installation, and turf laying.
- Main works: This stage involves constructing a sports field amenities building and car parking facilities.
This division enables negotiations with specialized companies for each phase, rather than relying on a single contractor for the entire project, potentially improving quality and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Despite the initial setback with the tender rejection, Shellharbour council remains dedicated to advancing the Shell Cove sports field. The move to direct negotiations is seen as a proactive step to ensure timely completion and adherence to grant requirements, ultimately benefiting local sports enthusiasts and residents.
