SARA GILLIGAN
THE final “puzzle piece” of a 12-year Murray Street development has recently obtained more than $850,000 in Federal Government funding – seeing its commencement in 2020.
The Murray Street Stage 7 Upgrade Project will see development from the Gawler Mill Inn Bridge to Tenth Street at a cost of $1.7 million.
The $854,000 was granted though the Australian Government’s Special Local Roads Program.
Gawler Council Mayor Karen Redman said the project had delivered six stages since its commencement in 2007/8 and that council’s estimated contribution to stage 7 would be $922,000.
“The Murray Street Upgrade project is a key component of the Gawler Community Plan 2017-2027 and Town Centre Urban Design Framework,” Ms Redman said.
“The (overall) project promotes regional economic development by improving amenity and accessibility of the town centre and associated business precincts.
“Stage 7 is the final piece of the puzzle of the Murray Street development that has taken more than 10 years to complete.
“It has been a very long-term project that a lot of councils can’t actually achieve due to changing priorities and changing leadership etc.
“It is also wonderful that the Australian Government has again partnered with council to create a more efficient and safer transport, traffic and pedestrian network in the main street of Gawler.
“What external funding does is to allow us to complete projects properly and to not take shortcuts, as these developments take time.”
Last year’s completion of stage 6 of the project included improved drainage, new kerbs, gutters, footpaths, street furniture and landscaping, along with improved pedestrian safety with median crossing points.
“The recent completion of stage 6 has delivered vital strengthening and safety upgrades to the Gawler Mill Inn Bridge, making it compliant with current standards and ensuring that it caters for the needs of our community for the next 100 years and beyond,” Ms Redman said.
The stage 7 upgrade is scheduled to commence in 2020/21 and, once completed, will bring the total combined cost of the Murray Street upgrades to $8.67 million over a 12-year period.