MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – BAY ROAD, MOONTA UPGRADE
The major project for the Copper Coast Council this year and last year has been the comprehensive upgrade of Bay Road from Moonta to Moonta Bay. After an extensive consultation process and input from the public, Moonta residents, those that live on Bay Road, the immediate surrounding streets and local Moonta organisations, a design for the upgrade was adopted by Council. Tender documentation was prepared and Tenders called based on this design. The Tender was awarded to CME for $3,091,396 for stormwater drainage and Downer Edi for $2,831,019 for roadworks, sealing and other associated works.
5 meetings were also held separately with residents and people affected by the major upgrade prior to the works commencing. I did indicate at these meetings that the work would be completed by the end of December 2021. This was on the basis the works began in February 2021 after signing the contracts in December 2020. The delay in works commencing was due to Contract negotiations to award the Contract to two companies (which ensured significant savings) and material delivery delays due to COVID-19. We were optimistic this could be achieved and are disappointed that an extension is necessary.
The works commenced on 27th April 2021 onsite and have been proceeding. There have been a number of factors that have affected the works being undertaken. These have included the following: -
- Collapsing sand of the trenches for stormwater drainage – some of which were 4.5m deep, and extensive time for the excavation making progress very slow
- COVID-19 lockdowns
- Inclement weather activities including the recent rain event affecting the setup for kerb and channel, which now has to be re-established (an additional 2.5 weeks)
- One team undertaking the work contracting COVID or having to isolate
- Rock excavation
Tonkin Engineering were appointed as the Superintendent to make sure that every work activity undertaken to every hold point of the project is inspected, so that the work is undertaken in accordance with the contract and relevant standards. They have approved extensions of time for the work for 82 days, plus an estimated additional 15 days with the recent rain event on 23rd January 2022. All of these extensions are documented.
The project has been funded as follows:-
- Council $3.086 M - $2M of which is a low interest loan at a discounted interest rate
- $2.189M from the State Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program
- $172,199 from the Federal Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Projects (Phase 1)
- $475,000 from the Federal Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Projects – (Phase 2)
In addition, $50,000 and $75,000 funding has been received separately from Bike SA for the bike path to be constructed/upgraded. Further, Council will receive from the State Powerline Environment Committee (PLEC) $654,146 for Stage 1 (from Caroline Street to George Street) and $531,877 for Stage 2 (between Bay Road to Bowden Street), for the undergrounding of powerlines, with Council contributing $593,011. Council has also applied for additional funding for the remainder of Bay Road for the powerlines to be undergrounded.
Therefore, the total cost of the project is $7,826,449. Whilst the project has been delayed for the various reasons outlined, I would rather take time and have the project completed properly than have the project undertaken hurriedly with potential mistakes, poor work and further delays. The expected completion date for all of the works is by the end of July this year.
I have appreciated residents and the public’s patience and understanding whilst the works have been undertaken. We apologise for the delay and thank everyone for their continued patience.
Thank you.
Russell Peate
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER