Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre

Our November meeting tomorrow on Wednesday, 26 November will be the last for the year. After that, we’ll review whether there is enough community interest to continue these meetings in the new year.

25 November 2025

Work on site is progressing well. Earthworks have been completed, including the site cut and pad installation, and temporary power and sewer have now been connected. Recent rain caused minor delays, but the project remains on track.

The next steps include installing the underground sewer, water and stormwater pipes. The team will then dig and prepare the foundation areas before adding reinforcement and pouring concrete.

Construction of the retaining wall along the back of the building is also underway. The wall will range in height from 4 metres down to 1 metre. Footings have commenced with the boring of 110 pier holes, ready for steel beams and concrete. Check out the progress in the photo gallery.

14 October 2025

The next Community Project Meeting will be held at Club Tumut on Wednesday 22 October at 5pm, everyone is welcome.

10 October 2025

Groundworks are progressing well. Following the safe removal of hazardous materials from the former bowling clubhouse, demolition is nearly complete. Earthworks are shaping up nicely, with the building platform beginning to take form as the project moves steadily forward.

Earthworks are expected to take around five weeks to complete. During this time, trucks will continue entering and leaving the site to remove approximately 8142 cubic metres of fill. Strict safety, dust, and noise controls are in place to minimise disruption to nearby residents and businesses.

2 October 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our Community Project Meeting in September. Josh (Hines Project Manager, below right) and Lance (Hines Construction Manager, below left) provided an overview of the project and outlined the upcoming construction activities.

Some questions were raised about traffic management and vehicle movement along Richmond Street to the Snowy Mountains Highway. This route was chosen in consultation with Riverina Traffic Services as the most direct way to reach the highway while avoiding the CBD and nearby schools. The approaches to the Richmond Park site are now signposted with a 40km/h speed limit, and traffic control will be in place when required.

If you have any construction-related concerns including noise, dust, vibrations, truck movements, or site safety - contact details for the Hines Constructions team are displayed on the site fencing.

For non-construction matters, such as Development Approval conditions, planning, or zoning queries, please contact Council’s Project Officer, Phil McMurray.

16 September 2025

Construction is about to get underway, and we know many in the community are keen to learn more. Join us next Wednesday 24 September at 5pm to meet our contractor, get the latest updates on the project and ask any questions you have.

Location: Club Tumut (meeting room), 24 Richmond Street

16 September 2025

MEC construction works will will kick off from 22 September 2025.

🏗️ Site preparations (including fencing) start tomorrow
🕖 Construction hours: 7am–5pm weekdays, with occasional Saturdays
🚶 Nearby residents have been notified via a letterbox drop

Locals may notice increased vehicle movements, construction noise, and temporary changes to footpaths and site access so please take care when you are in the area.

Curious about the project? Come to the MEC Community Project Meeting at Club Tumut next Wednesday, 24 September at 5 pm.

10 September 2025

Ahead of construction starting, Council’s contractors have carefully relocated the golden elm trees that were positioned along what will become the back retaining wall of the building footprint.

Following specialist arborist advice, the trees were moved while temperatures are still cool - the best time to transplant advanced deciduous trees. Moving mature trees is no small task, and timing is critical to give them the best chance to thrive in their new location.

The golden elms have been replanted within Richmond Park, including some near the new playground where they will provide much-needed shade as they establish and grow.

25 August 2025

Snowy Valleys Council has awarded the construction contract for the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC), marking a major milestone for the project.

At its August meeting, Council resolved to award the tender to Hines Constructions Pty Ltd for the lump sum amount of $10.9 million (ex GST), following a competitive tender process.

Read the full media release here.

Preliminary works to prepare the Richmond Park site for the construction of the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre will get underway this week.

The playground, BBQ, picnic shelter and seating are moving to the other side of the amenities building (towards Capper Street).

What to expect:

🔹Temporary fencing around the worksite

🔹Stockpiling and excavation works

🔹 We’ll build the new site first to keep the playground closed for as little time as possible.

⚠️Please keep clear of the work zone so everyone stays safe!