Part 2: Sporting partnership pays off in Urandangi
The development of the multipurpose and exercise equipment in Urandangi came as a result of a partnership between Boulia Shire Council and the Queensland Government, through the Department of Communities.
The development of the facilities required significant planning and project management to ensure it was delivered on time and within budget.
How did the council identify the need for the facilities?
Why was the half-court selected?
How did the council become aware of the Local Government Development Program?
How did it go about putting together an application?
What obstacles did the council have to overcome?
What advice does the council have for other local governments undertaking similar projects?
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How did the council identify the need for the facilities?
The council was fortunate that the owner of the Urandangi Hotel was a former councillor who had a good knowledge of the local community. Given that there were no existing facilities, it was more a case of deciding what to develop rather than answering the obvious question of if something was needed.
Why was the half-court selected?
Given Urandangi's population (there are only about 50 permanent residents in the township) and the lack of venue management expertise in the area, it was decided that the facility would need to have minimal management and maintenance needs. Elders from the local Marmanya Aboriginal community were consulted about the proposed facility, and it was agreed a half-court and some additional exercise facilities would be of great benefit to local children.
How did the council become aware of the Local Government Development Program?
The council became aware of the program as a result of printed material sent to it by the Department. It was the potential for funding under this program that initiated the planning for the Urandangi project.
How did it go about putting together an application?
Staff at the council accessed the Local Government Development Program (now the Local Sport and Recreation Program) guidelines and application form on the Department website. An adviser from the Department's Rockhampton office provided assistance and advice before the council submitted the application.
What obstacles did the council have to overcome?
A number of obstacles became apparent after the funding was approved, most due to Urandangi's isolated location. The council initially found it difficult getting the three quotations for the construction of the facility (a requirement under the Local Sport and Recreation Program funding agreement). Fortunately, a lot of searching located three companies willing to undertake the project. Once the contractor was appointed, the issue of getting materials to the site presented themselves. It was one thing to get them to Mount Isa but then getting them to Urandangi was another matter entirely. On a number of occasions the council took matters into its own hands by sending one of its own trucks to Mount Isa to transport the equipment to Urandangi.
What advice does the council have for other local governments undertaking similar projects?
Put simply, the council recognises that projects like this are often not possible without funding support and encourages other local governments to consider applying under the Local Government Development Program. In terms of identifying potential projects, it advises prospective applicants to consult with their local communities before settling on an agreed project. Those in rural and regional areas should consider the significant impact of freight costs on projects in isolated areas. Detailed planning is also needed to ensure projects in outlying areas can be completed within the timeframe required under the Local Government Development Program.
Want more information?
For more information about the Urandangi project, contact Carole Ballard by email or phone (07) 4746 3188. View details about the Local Sport and Recreation Program or contact us.