Council supported Cr Sutherland’s motion at the October meeting to form a working group with stakeholders, including Friends of Lightning Swamp Bushland, to move forward on the development.
The role of the group would be to review the current design to ensure it incorporates contemporary sustainability initiatives, develop operational models and costs for the centre and identify funding options.
Design and project scope was initially conducted by the City in 2002/03, requiring the review of the proposed facility in terms of function and potential users.
In 2004, Council adopted the plan for the Lightning Park Sporting Complex that included an environmental centre and funds were allocated in the 2011/12 budget for the development of a concept plan for a sustainability centre.
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READ NOWCity officers developed the concept plan with Friends of Lightning Swamp and north-ward councillors, with the estimated cost of development $2.4 million.
Cr Sutherland said she believed the cost would now be up towards $4 million, with City officers estimating the yearly maintenance to cost $10,000 to $50,000, dependent on the scope and function of the final design.