Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre

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!

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.