Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre

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!

23 July 2025

Snowy Valleys Council is reaffirming its commitment to transparency and community engagement following approval of the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) by the Southern Region Planning Panel (SRPP).

The MEC, a vital piece of infrastructure designed to support both community use and emergency response, has generated strong interest across the region, particularly around the conditions of consent and the maximum number of people permitted at the facility.

Click here to read the full media release.

18 July 2025

The formal Construction Tender for the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre has now been released, and an onsite tender meeting was held earlier this week. The tender documents are available via the Tenderlink website.

A report will go to the August Council Meeting so a contractor can be engaged, with construction expected to start this spring.

1 July 2025

Snowy Valleys Council has welcomed the decision by the Southern Region Planning Panel to grant approval for the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre, with the Panel endorsing the project today.

The approval follows a public meeting held by the Panel in early June, along with the submission of additional information by Council. With consent now in place, Council will release the construction tender later this week.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Works, Duncan Mitchell said the project team is eager to get the build underway.

“We’re now finalising documents for a public tender and we are looking to engage contractors at the August Council Meeting, which will allow construction to start in spring,” he said.

“In the coming weeks, we’ll begin preliminary works. That includes relocating the existing playground further up Richmond Park towards Capper Street to prepare the site.”

The new facility will deliver a contemporary, fit-for-purpose multipurpose centre that will also serve as a designated emergency evacuation centre for the region.

Council acknowledges there has been a range of views on the development and appreciates the feedback received throughout the planning process. A dedicated local working group also played a key role in shaping the project, helping bring it to this important milestone.

“This facility will be a valuable asset for future generations – a welcoming, flexible space that supports a wide range of community needs, while also improving our region’s emergency preparedness,” said Mayor Ham.

Council received funding from the NSW Government and Commonwealth Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) to build a Multipurpose Centre in Tumut which has sufficient capacity to double as an Evacuation Centre in times of emergency.

18 June 2025

The Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) held a public meeting in Tumut on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 to consider the Development Application (DA) for the MEC. The application is now under assessment, with the panel reviewing submissions from the meeting and requesting additional shadow diagrams from the applicant (Council). Additional information provided during the meeting has been uploaded to the Planning Panels website. An audio recording of the meeting, which the panel is required to make publicly available, will also be published on the website. The panel will update the website once a determination has been made.

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planning-panel/demolition-existing-structures-and-construction-recreation-facility-indoor-multipurpose-evacuation-centre

2 June 2025

The Southern Region Planning Panel has advised that they will hold a public meeting in Tumut at 9am on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, to consider the Development Application (DA) for the MEC.

Anyone interested in speaking or listening to the meeting must register via this link https://forms.office.com/r/EqTGUScvSW before 4pm Monday 9 June 2025.

At the meeting, the Panel will review the independent assessment report, public submissions, and all relevant planning legislation before making a final decision.

All DA submitters have been notified directly by the NSW Planning Panel. Full meeting details, including how to register to speak or listen, along with the assessment report and associated attachments are available on the Planning Portal website.

🕓 Registrations to speak or listen close at 4pm on Monday, 9 June 2025.

We’ve attached a copy of the Planning Panels’ public meeting notice below or download here.

19 May 2025

Council has formally adopted the site-specific Plan of Management (PoM) for Richmond Park and Stockwell Gardens, following a resolution at the May Ordinary Council meeting.

A PoM is a legal document that outlines how public land will be used, managed, and maintained. It sets out land values, intended future uses, and development objectives.

The adoption means the site earmarked for the MEC, including the old bowling greens, clubrooms, and current playground area is now correctly categorised as General Community Use.

The other 70% of Richmond Park including war memorials, remains protected green space under the adopted plan.

As part of the MEC project, the playground and picnic area will be relocated elsewhere in the park.

You can read the full PoM on our website www.svc.nsw.gov.au/PoM

(Diagram above shows the two categories in Richmond Park)

7 May 2025

The Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) is expected to hold a public meeting in Tumut in June 2025 to consider the Development Application (DA) for the project. The meeting date, times, and venue are still to be confirmed.

At the meeting, the Panel will review the independent assessment report, public submissions, and all relevant planning legislation before making a final decision.

The public submission period for the DA closed on 8 April 2025. Since then, the project has been undergoing independent assessment in preparation for referral to the SRPP.

While the meeting is slightly later than originally thought, this is a key milestone in progressing the project toward determination.

The SRPP is responsible for notifying submission writers and promoting the public meeting, but we will keep our readers updated as we learn more.

Information about the meeting will be shared through this newsletter and promoted on our socials as the SRPP confirms details.

Catch up on the latest news here.

Photo: A Joint Regional Planning Panel public meeting in Berry on the South Coast to discuss resort plans.

2 April 2025

Stay up to date with the latest developments by signing up to the MEC Newsletter - the latest edition is out today.

Included in this edition:

• Reminder DA Open for Public Submissions until 8 April 2025
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - covering traffic, noise and green space
• Planning for a Top-Notch Sport Hub
• MEC to Include Adult Change Facility
• Sustainability in Action - Building for the Future
• Updated Renders

27 March 2025

Have your say! The Development Application for the Tumut Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre at Richmond Park is open for public comment until 8 April 2025.

Community input is vital in shaping this important project, which will serve both as a multipurpose facility and a crucial evacuation hub in times of emergency.

Updates based on community input so far include better accessibility, reduced visual impact, enhanced vehicle access, expanded landscaping, increased emergency supply storage, and the incorporation of smart energy-saving technologies to help minimise operating costs.

To address community concerns, the DA includes a comprehensive Traffic and Parking Assessment Report. This report confirms that the proposed development will have minimal impact on local traffic flow and that the 50 on-site parking spaces will adequately accommodate demand during sporting and community events, preventing overflow parking issues.

A Noise Impact Assessment was also undertaken to ensure the project maintains a peaceful environment for nearby residents. The assessment confirms that, with the recommended design and construction measures in place, noise levels will remain within the acceptable limits set by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The project will undergo an independent assessment before being referred to the NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) for a final determination. The panel will consider the independent assessment report, public submissions, and relevant planning legislation before making its decision.

The DA documentation is available for public viewing via the NSW Planning Portal. Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 April 2025

How to make a submission

Submission can be made on the New South Wales Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/daex/exhibition/construction-recreation-facility-indoor-multipurpose-evacuation-centre(External link) or by email to info@svc.nsw.gov.au(External link)

What to include in your submission

• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Development Application number - DA2025/0026
• Your reasons for support or objection to the planning merits of the application