FAQs

At their 20 June 2024 Council Meeting, Councillors reviewed a detailed site analysis report on potential site options for the MEC project.  The Richmond Park site was chosen as the preferred site option for further feasibility and Geotech investigations.  

A geotechnical investigation undertaken in October 2024 confirmed the Richmond Park site’s suitability, with no construction or environmental challenges detected.  Thus, the site became the official preferred site of the proposed MEC.

1. A purpose-built evacuation centre and multipurpose facility to cater for multiple indoor sports, the size of two basketball courts to accommodate local, regional and state sporting competitions as well as a facility to host conferences, local school and community events.
2. Local employment outcomes, including apprenticeships and indigenous employment opportunities, through the building and construction of the facility.
3. Local employment outcomes, through the ongoing management of the facility.
4. An increase in community wellbeing and cohesion through the provision of an indoor sporting facility equipped with a large stadium, changerooms, amenities and spectator seats with disability access, where sport can be played and watched 12 months of the year, in any climate.
5. Natural disaster readiness for the community, where many people can shelter in the facility and access emergency services.

The MEC project is funded through the Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF). Snowy Valleys Council received funding to build a Multipurpose Centre in Tumut which has sufficient capacity to double as an Evacuation Centre in times of emergency.

The BLERF funding was created to support communities heavily impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires in their recovery and resilience. In the Snowy Valleys, 45% of the LGA (402,650ha) was burned, and displaced families were moved to an evacuation centre 105 km away in Wagga Wagga. This highlighted the need for a purpose-built evacuation and multipurpose facility for the Snowy Valleys, helping to keep communities closer to home during emergencies—a critical gap in the region’s infrastructure.

The facility is designed for sports like netball, futsal, cricket, and volleyball, and can be adapted over time to suit most indoor court activities.

The Traffic and Parking Assessment Report confirms that the proposed development will have minimal impact on local traffic flow. It also states that the 50 on-site parking spaces will be sufficient to accommodate demand during sporting and community events, preventing any overflow parking issues.

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

The MEC will span 4,600m² within the 16,200m² Richmond Park site, accounting for just 28% of the total area. This ensures ample space remains for green areas and recreational use, maintaining a balanced and accessible environment for all park users.

No, the MEC will not reduce open green space. It will be built on an existing bowling green and playground. The majority of Richmond Park, including its open spaces and war memorials, will remain preserved for community use.

The playground will not be lost. It will be relocated within the park as part of the MEC project.