At the June 2015 council meeting, a public submission was considered from the Jamberoo Combined Sporting Clubs Inc, regarding the 2015/16 budget for the Kevin Walsh Oval amenities building renewal.

The club’s submission concerned the reduction in funding available for the amenities renewal from $849,000 to $450,000.

“Council was advised by the Director of Engineering and Works at the time, that an architect and quantity surveyor had been engaged to carry out preliminary cost estimates on the preferred option to upgrade and extend the existing facility in its current location,” a report to Tuesday night’s Kiama council meeting said.

“The preliminary costs estimates for these concept designs were in the order of $460,000 to $490,000. It was proposed that a Stakeholder Working Group would be established comprising the architect, staff, councillor and local representatives to develop a detailed plan and estimate.

“The $450,000 allocated in the draft budget was retained for the final 2015/16 budget. However it was acknowledged that any variation to the budget resulting from the above process would need to be formally reconsidered by council in a future budget.”

According to the report, the working party has convened to develop plans and specifications suitable for the sporting clubs and public usage in accordance with the budget.

“As the detailed plans have been refined, it has become apparent that there are additional costs not originally foreseeable in the concept cost estimate,” council’s report said. 

“Examples include asbestos removal, repairs to the existing building’s floor slab, painting of existing building, new electrical distribution boards, etc.”

According to council, the revised cost estimate is $563,417. At present there is $436,500 remaining of the original budget, indicating a shortfall of $126,917.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, council resolved to proceed with the advertising of public tenders for the construction and refurbishment of the Kevin Walsh Amenities Building.

They also resolved to re-allocate 2016/17 project funding to cover the expected funding shortfall, from either: a) the Kiama harbourside crib-wall replacement, pending the storm damages insurance claim outcome; or b) the deferral of the Blowhole Point tennis court bank stabilisation works.

Following the outcome of the tender process, the extent of any budget re-allocations required will be clarified and included in a subsequent report to council.