Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
Project Status
The MEC project has taken another step forward, with its Development Application (DA) now under independent assessment following the close of public submissions on 8 April 2025.
Once assessed, the DA will be referred to the NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) for a final decision. The panel will consider the assessment report, public submissions and relevant planning legislation.
Council has requested a formal public meeting, where submitters can speak and the panel can consider the site and the merits of the application. A meeting is tentatively planned for late April or early May, with details to be confirmed.
Once confirmed, the SRPP will notify submitters who provided contact details and advertise the meeting in the local newspaper. Council will also share this information.
Project Background
Snowy Valleys Council received funding from the Australian and NSW Governments 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.
The purpose-built multipurpose facility and evacuation centre will 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.
The centre is proposed to be built at Richmond Park, opposite the Tumut Bowling Club.
Council has engaged a Facility Design Group to prepare the detailed design and oversee all documentation required for lodging a Development Application. Community members and stakeholders will be able to provide additional input during the Development Application process. Your voice matters, and we’re committed to creating a project that reflects the needs of our community.
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Latest MEC Newsletter Out Now!
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2 April 2025
Stay up to date with the latest developments by signing up to the MEC Newsletter - the latest edition is out today.
- 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
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DA Open for Public Submissions
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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
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Have your say on the MEC DA
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12 March 2025
Now that the DA has been placed on public exhibition interested community members can view the documentation and make a submission relating to the application.
To give the public more time to review and submit feedback, the statutory 14-day exhibition period has been extended to 28 days and submissions will be open until 8 April 2025.
All public submissions will be provided to the New South Wales Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP), the independent body responsible for the final decision on the DA.
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 or by email to info@svc.nsw.gov.au
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
Under Section 10.4 (5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, any person lodging a submission is also required to declare any political donations which may have been made 2 years prior to the making of the submission.
Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 April 2025
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DA Lodged for Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
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7 March 2025
Council’s Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre project is one step closer to realisation, with its Development Application lodged this week.
Following a comprehensive design consultation process in which community members were invited to provide feedback on the project’s concept designs, the Council’s appointed Architects have now lodged the Development Application (DA) through the NSW Planning Portal.
An independent and experienced town planning contractor, Jeremy Swan from the Planning Hub Sydney, will now undertake the independent assessment of the project on behalf of Council.
Council’s Acting Director Community, Corporate and Development, Nick Wilton said it was not appropriate that Council staff assess the application, given that Council is both the applicant and also the consent authority.
“Mr Swan is a highly respected Town Planning professional with extensive experience in the merit assessment of these types of projects, and he will undertake an assessment in accordance with the requirements of the EPA Act and make a recommendation on the application,” Mr Wilton explained.
Mr Wilton said Council has also requested the preparation of a Probity Plan and the appointment of a probity advisor to oversee the process.
“It is not unusual for a project with this scale for a probity advisor to be appointed to oversee all processes relating to the project to ensure community confidence in the process,” he said.
Once the DA is reviewed, adjoining and adjacent property owners will receive a Neighbour Notification Letter at their registered mail address, in accordance with Council’s Community Participation Plan, and the DA will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.
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MEC and the February Council Meeting
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19 February 2025
A concept design report for the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) project will be presented at the February Council Meeting this Thursday, 20 February.
The report provides an update on the MEC design, summarises community feedback from recent information sessions, and outlines the next steps for the project.
During the meeting, Councillors will also receive a community petition requesting that ‘Snowy Valleys Council seek a further extension of the funding grant to explore a more suitable site.’
Additionally, during the public forum, Councillors will hear from community members presenting arguments both for and against the project.
We encourage everyone to read the report and tune in to the Meeting livestream to stay informed and follow the discussion.
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Community Engages with MEC Concept Designs
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13 February 2025
Approximately 150 community members attended Council’s Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) Project Concept Design Presentations on Tuesday, 11 February, demonstrating strong interest in the project.
Interim General Manager Steven Pinnuck said the community was engaged and broadly supportive of the designs, with attendees offering constructive feedback to further refine the plans.
“I’d like to thank those who attended and encourage everyone to review the plans on our website and provide feedback,” he said.
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Community Information Sessions – MEC Draft Concept Designs
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28 January 2025
We're inviting the community to view the draft concept design for the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) at next week’s information sessions.Come along to see the plans, hear from the design team, and chat with council staff about the project.- Tuesday 11 February – Concept Design Presentations (4:00 PM & 6:00 PM)
- Wednesday 12 February – Casual Drop-in Day (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Thursday 13 February – One-on-one meetings (Book here!)
Join us and share your thoughts – help shape the future of the MEC!Can't make it? The draft design will be available online after the sessions, so you can view the plans and have your say. -
MEC Newsletter Out Now
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22 January 2025
The MEC e-newsletter is designed to guide and engage those interested in joining us on the MEC’s development journey.
In the first edition:
- Thank you for joining our community pop-up!
- Behind the scenes
- Addressing noise concerns for the new centre
- Planning for traffic and parking needs
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Community Feedback
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20 December 2024
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at our pop-up community session in Richmond Park. Your feedback was valuable, highlighting key issues like parking, lighting, noise, multi-use sports needs, and cooling.
Stay tuned! In January, we’ll be releasing our first Project Newsletter, covering some of the most common questions and updates on the project.
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Pop-up Community Session
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28 November 2024
Come along to the pop-up community session at Richmond Park to learn more about the project's design and development, meet the architect, share your thoughts and ask questions. Your input will help shape a facility for the whole community.
Date: Wednesday 11 December 2024
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Location: Richmond Park (near the playground)
Photos
Animation - MEC - Draft Concept Design
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This is an animation fly around of the Draft Concept Design for Snowy Valleys Council's Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
