MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - MAJOR UPGRADE OF BAY ROAD, MOONTA TO COMMENCE

Extensive consultation was undertaken regarding the upgrade of Bay Road from Moonta to Moonta Bay. Works are scheduled to commence in late February, with actual ground works starting on Monday, 1st March 2021. Council considered the tenders received for the major upgrade on the 10th February 2021. We then had to wait for the two businesses awarded to sign the contract documents and the unsuccessful tenderers to be advised. This occurred on the 16th February. Information on the Bay Road Upgrade is now being provided two days later.

• Consultation entitled – “Your Bay Road Wish List, Be Part of the Big Picture” commenced on the 11th April 2019 and closed on the 17th May 2019. This involved VMS Boards, Facebook posts, and an advertisement in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times. A total of 315 comments were received from the public. Some of the major feedback received included bike lanes, walking paths, underground powerlines, a median strip with trees and stormwater/kerbing.
• Council also met with a range of organisations in Moonta from the 21st to 24th October 2019 to obtain their views – Copper Coast Residents and Ratepayers, Moonta Lions Club, Friends of Port Hughes, Moonta and District Progress Association and the Moonta National Trust.
• Council also sent letters to all residents of Bay Road inviting them to public information sessions on the 23rd and 24th October 2019 at the Moonta Town Hall Supper Room to receive feedback and comments.
• A presentation was made by the then Director of Infrastructure on the 23rd October 2019 on the consultation undertaken, feedback received and the various options for Bay Road. A report was submitted to Council on the 6th November 2019 outlining the feedback received incorporated into the design of the works.
• Council obtained an opinion from Greenhill Engineers Pty Ltd on the probable construction costs of the major upgrade of Bay Road. This was estimated at $10.987M. This was reported to the March 2020 Council meeting, together with a detailed design for the major upgrade of Bay Road, Moonta.
• Extensive tender documentation was then prepared and tenders were called in September 2020. Tenders closed on the 26th October and four tenders were received ranging from $5.794M to $10.327M. The tenders called were for 3 Stages of Bay Road. The tenders were thoroughly assessed by a panel of four, including an independent person from Local Government Procurement. The assessment also involved obtaining clarification on pricing submitted at least six times. By undertaking this, the final price accepted was over $1.3M less.
• Following the assessment of the tenders received, the contract has been awarded to CME Civil to undertake stormwater drainage works for $3.091M and Downer EDI to undertake the roadworks, sealing and other associated works at a cost of $2.831M.
• The project is funded as follows:-
  • Stage 1
    * Federal Local Roads & Community Infrastructure - $172,199
    * Federal Local Roads & Community Infrastructure - $475,000
    * Council Contribution 2021/22 - $674,801
  • Stages 2 & 3
    * Council Low Interest Loan - $2M
    * State Government Local Government Infrastructure
    * Partnership Program (still to be approved) - $2.189M
    * Council contribution 2021/22 - $411,579
• Stage 1 is from Robert Street to Kitto Road, Stage 2 from Kitto Road to Hughes Avenue and Stage 3 from Hughes Avenue to the end of Bay Road.
• The project is also subject to weather conditions and any delays that may be experienced from finding rock and dewatering.
• Council also applied to the State Power Line Environment Committee (PLEC) for funding of the undergrounding of power lines for the whole of Bay Road from Moonta to Moonta Bay. The undergrounding of electricity lines is in 6 stages and PLEC have approved Stage 1 and Stage 6. Stage 1 undergrounding is from Caroline Street to George Street and Stage 2 from Bowden Street to the end of Bay Road, Moonta Bay. Council will receive $970,400 and will contribute $485,200 for these works. These works will be scheduled to be undertaken in accordance with PLEC requirements in 2022/23. These works do not impact on the major upgrade of Bay Road. Council will also apply for funding of Stages 2 to 5 this year for further undergrounding of electricity.
• We will also be appointing a Project Superintendent who will oversee all of the works undertaken. The works will be inspected and required to meet all contractual obligations, relevant Australian Standards and requirements. Should this not be undertaken, the Superintendent will stop works, have the authority for works to be redone and invoices for works will not be paid until all works have been undertaken in accordance with the contract and Standards. We will also have a Council Project Manager that any resident or person can phone regarding the works being undertaken. Details will be provided shortly.
• Public information sessions are intended to be held at the Moonta Town Hall for each of the 3 Stages, with any interested residents welcome. A separate briefing will also be provided to all of the Moonta organisations, so that residents of Bay Road and organisations are aware of the construction details of the project. Letters have been sent to all residents of Bay Road and organisations for this.
• Further updates will also be provided to the residents of Bay Road as works progress, as well as Moonta organisations and the general public.
• Council would ask for your patience and understanding as the work progresses. We will be trying to minimise any inconvenience, particularly for residents of Bay Road as works are undertaken.

Russell John Peate

Chief Executive Officer

Copper Coast Council