Stage 2 of Rhyll Playspace to go ahead

THE Rhyll Community Association were happy to hear that Bass Coast Shire had awarded the Stage two tender for the construction of the Rhyll Playspace at the February council meeting. 

Cr Ronnie Bauer moved the motion stating that “this is good news, I’ve been involved in the Rhyll boat ramp and playground project since the beginning and last year due to budgetary pressure and the cost blowouts that have impacted the Capital Works program, it was decided to spread the implementation of the playground over a few years. 

“The community is happy, and the children are even happier.” 

President of the Rhyll Community Association Jim Kiley said the community wasn’t happy that the original play space was removed before the new one was built, but on a positive note “we welcome stage two.” 

“It was originally decided that the playground would remain in place until the new space was finished but the playground was then removed to give more land to the boat ramp for car parking,” said Jim.

“The community have been patiently waiting, stage one will be blocked off for stage two to be finalised but it’s great that the project is going to be finished.” 

Jim explained that new play space is approximately eight metres from where the original playground was situated, but during the works of the Rhyll boat ramp upgrade the area was designated to more car parking, resulting in the original playground being demolished before the new space was constructed. 

Council has received funding of $235,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund for the Rhyll Playspace – Stage 2.

It is proposed to fund the expected cost of $356,282 to deliver this project including project management costs, heritage signage and contingencies from the Growing Suburbs Fund ($235,000) with the remaining $121,281 being funded from the adopted budget of $270,000. 

The remaining budget of $148,719 will result in a lower than initially foreshadowed drawdown from Council’s Resort and Recreation Funds for this project. The lump sum tender price is $268,812.35 (GST exclusive).

The Rhyll Community Association have worked directly with the head of infrastructure during the planning period and Jim said, “I can’t understand why it is going to be at such a cost but nevertheless we’re pleased to know that the community are getting their new and improved playground.” 

Bass Coast Shire Council have a contract commencement date of March 6, 2023 with an anticipated contract completion of May 5, 2023.