By Chris Oldfield

NEW Christmas lights, the Old Naracoorte Rd upgrade, Customs House restorations and around 20 new signs featuring “On Buganditj Country” are on the “to do” list for Robe District Council.

Along with many other tasks, they make up a $1.66 million capital works program listed at the council’s November 8 meeting.

Project manager James Francisco explained the projects in a written report which started with a new culvert on Nora Creina Rd.

Regarding other works he highlighted a contract for the straddle lift replacement was awarded to Crib Point, the sole Australian made option.

“Estimated timeframe for delivery is 30 weeks from receipt of official purchase. On-site assembly is estimated at five days,” Mr Francisco said.

He explained discussions between the council and the Bowling Club which identified public toilets could feature in the precinct’s future development. 

Therefore, the option to refurbish the existing building was more appropriate “at this point in time”.

Refurbishment works included installation of non-slip epoxy flooring, new signage, replacement of all toilets, cisterns, flushing mechanisms, hand dryers, shower components, additional hand basins and disabled toilet alterations.

Meanwhile, a contract had been awarded to install a 19Kw solar system for the administration building.

Mr Francisco reported construction works had also started on Old Naracoorte Rd, through to the Sugar Loaf Hills section. 

“In addition to this, the re-sheeting on Springs Rd will be completed,” he said.

“The next focus roads will be Wrights Bay Rd, Lings Rd (and) Longbottom Rd.”

It was also hoped that Esplanade bump stops would be installed before the Christmas holidays, along with a barbecue shelter.

Work on the information bay shelter was expected to start on January 24 next year.

Also next year would be an upgrade to the CWMS System Control.

Meanwhile, a new John Deere 1585 front deck mower was expected to arrive in December.

Mr Francisco said Customs House restoration works were awarded to Rebuilt Stonemasonry. 

“After undertaking the restoration works on the first two walls, they will continue with the remaining upgrades, providing continuity on workmanship. Predicted timelines at this stage is Feb/March 2024 to avoid peak tourist season,” he said.

The council also went to tender for restoration works on the cemetery wall.

“Additionally, council has been successful in achieving grant funding for this project following a submission to the South Australian Heritage Conservation Grants Program, where $20,000 has been allocated to this project,” he said.

“It is expected that these works will commence early 2024.”

Regarding Christmas lights at Robe, they would be upgraded to LED festoon lighting “which will have the ability to illuminate in both traditional white and multiple colours”. 

Meanwhile, a raft of new signage around Robe would include “On Bunganditj Country”.

The new council boundary signs, the information bay sign, and Long Beach sign would each feature “On Bunganditj Country” as well as 12 other “informative signs”.

This resulted from the council’s consultation with the Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation based in Mount Gambier.

“As a consequence, ‘On Bunganditj Country’ will be included on all informative signs around town,” Mr Francisco said. 

“Dependent on the sign manufacturer and contractor availability, it is expected that these signs will be installed by the end of the year.”