This consultation has concluded.

The City of Mount Gambier wishes to thank all community members who contributed in providing feedback on the 2014/15 Draft Business Plan & Budget.

All formal submissions made will now be collated and presented to Council for review during a Special Meeting of Council to be held during June.

Thank you again for your contribution.

Have your say on the 2014/15 Draft Business Plan & Budget!

The City of Mount Gambier has released its 2014/15 Draft Business Plan and Budget and is now seeking feedback from the broader community. 

Council is committed to listening and responding to the concerns and ideas of the community, and are endeavoring to make it easier and more convenient for individuals to share their views on the forthcoming 2014/15 Draft Business Plan and Budget.

• Complete Your Submission online
• Print our Feedback Form and return it to us
• Add your thoughts to our Guest Book
• Ask a question using the Q&A Tool
• Take 10 seconds to complete our Quick Poll
• Email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
• Text to 0407 794 188

Have Your Say - Participate Today!

The City of Mount Gambier is excited to announce that rates notices can now be paid via BPAY View. BPAY View sends your bills straight to the same online bank you use to pay them. While this is great news for you, your letterbox may not take it so well.

With convenient email, SMS or bank message reminders* and secure online or mobile access, BPAY View makes it easy to pay on time, every time from anywhere in the world. And BPAY View is easy on the environment too.

Enjoy some of these benefits when you register for BPAY View:

Easy access
You can look after bills 24/7 over the internet from wherever you are and be notified when a new bill arrives.

Get organised
Have a summary of bills and their due date in one place. If you want to view a detailed bill, it's only a few clicks away.

Choose how you pay
For your convenience, you can still use BPAY to pay bills received via BPAY View and pay from your bank account, credit card account. You can also pay via any other method your biller allows.

Pay on time
Make payments immediately with BPAY or schedule payments for a later date.

Be kind to the environment
Cut down on paper by choosing to receive bills online.

Say goodbye to paper bills! With BPAY View, receive, pay and store bills in your online bank. Register today at your online bank to never see a City of Mount Gambier Rates Notice again.

BPAY and BPAY View are trademarks of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. *Notification options may vary for each Financial Institution. Contact your Financial Institution for further information. Subject to availability of funds. BPAY View is accessible anytime and anywhere you have access to your online, mobile or phone bank.

The Riddoch Art Gallery together with the City of Mount Gambier is excited to announce that Leonardo da Vinci has arrived in Mount
Gambier. 

Riddoch Art Gallery Director, Simon Klose urged everyone, young and old, to be involved in this landmark international exhibition event.

The landmark exhibition will be open to the general public from 10.00am on Sunday 20th April, 2014 with ticket prices as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $8
Children $5 (12 & Under)
Family $22 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

The Riddoch Art Gallery opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday 10.00am until 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10.00am until 3.00pm

The Riddoch Art Gallery will present the ‘Da Vinci Machines’ exhibition exclusively to South Australia from Sunday 20th April to Sunday 22nd June, 2014 as part of the exhibitions exciting Australian Regional Tour; bringing Leonardo’s genius to the Mount Gambier community from across the centuries.

For further information contact the Riddoch Art Gallery on (08) 8723 9566 or email admin@riddochartgallery.org.au or visit their website.

See it. Be inspired. Be part of it.

The City of Mount Gambier is pleased to advise that a Case Study on the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre Biomass Boiler has been released for public viewing.

The City of Mount Gambier is the first Council in Australia to implement such heating methods, with the biomass boiler installed in September 2013 at the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre. 

Take a look at the Case Study here.

City of Mount Gambier Acting Director Operational Services, Daryl Morgan said there were many benefits in using the biomass boiler to heat all of the pools at the Aquatic Centre.

“The new boiler supplies all of the heat for the three pools in a more efficient and automated manner; with the new system able to be monitored remotely from anywhere in the world,” he explained.

“Not only is the new system more cost effective compared to running a gas system; it supports the local economy through the sourcing of biomass feedstock from the forestry industry, and uses a carbon neutral fuel source – wood chips from local plantations that are regrown.”

Following the considerable interest shown by the community a simple case study on the project has been developed; providing further details into the new system, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the biomass boiler discovered during its use over the 2013/2014 pool season. 

Mr Morgan said Mount Gambier was unique in adopting this visionary approach at the Aquatic Centre and Council was proud to be able to support local industry throughout this project. 

“Local companies were used during the installation and maintenance phases of the biomass boiler project at the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre, all whom were trained up on the job by staff from Living Energy,” Mr Morgan concluded. 

Kids, have you ever dreamt of building your own City? Here is your chance! The ‘Brick by Brick – Build Your Own Capital’ exhibition will be in the Main Corner from Thursday 4th April, 2014; providing children with the opportunity to build their own national capital using LEGO™ bricks.

Children are invited to come along and create their own national capital building or using easy to follow instructions build some of Australia’s national institutions. With over 30,000 LEGO™ bricks to play with, the possibilities are endless.

Brick by Brick will be holding a special LAUNCH at 4.00pm on Thursday April 4th, 2014; with free workshops scheduled to run from 12.00pm – 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 3.00pm on weekdays, and 12noon – 1.00pm on weekends, from Friday 4th April to mid-June, 2014.

Carers must stay with children at all times.

Participants are also invited to post their designs on Instagram (#brickbybrick), Twitter (@nca_media) or Facebook (facebook.com/brickxbrick).

This is A National Capital Authority Touring Exhibition provided free of charge, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.

To book please call the Main Corner on (08) 8723 9566 or send an email to maincorner@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.

This consultation has now concluded.

The City of Mount Gambier wishes to thank all community members who contributed in providing feedback on the John Powell Reserve Naturescape.

The City of Mount Gambier have become increasingly aware of the health and wellbeing benefits that connecting with and exploring nature offers people, especially children, by way of learning and improved cognitive development.
Council have identified an opportunity to develop the John Powell Reserve into a naturescape, to both beautify the area and increase outdoor learning opportunities and engagement for local children and the community.

To develop the John Powell Reserve as a naturescape, Council propose building a small bridge and providing improved features such as climbing logs, rocks and stepping stones, a wooded area, waterfall, flower garden and wetlands planting, a sand island and signage amongst other things, to encourage improved local engagement with the site.

The City of Mount Gambier value your ideas and encourage you to provide feedback on this proposal.

Have your say - participate today!

The Blue Lake Sports Park has received some tender love and care during the past week, following a generous donation of approximately $2,100 in value from local business Roundwood Solutions Pty Ltd.

City of Mount Gambier Director Operational Services, Daryl Sexton said Council were extremely grateful for the contribution of 72 bollards for new boundary fencing at the Park.

"The donation from Roundwood Solutions has allowed us to make a significant improvement to the Park, reducing potential liability risks and improving the aesthetics of the popular site," Mr Sexton commented.

"The new boundary fencing will see the site become a more multi-purpose type venue; increasing the appeal for a range of sportspeople such as baseball enthusiasts.

"Mount Gambier is proud to host a number of events each year, and it is great to have the support of local businesses. It is a benefit to the Mount Gambier community," Mr Sexton added.

Chris Rundle from Roundwood Solutions said they were passionate about supporting local communities.

"Given the level of support we have received from the City of Mount Gambier and Kingston District Council, we feel privileged to be in a position to add value to their efforts in providing quality recreational infrastructure," Mr Rundle added.

"An example of which can be seen in the activities that have been undertaken over the past week to build on the strength and versatility of the Blue Lake Sports Park."

The City of Mount Gambier is committed to building communities to maintain and improve the quality of life for our people by fostering an appropriate range of infrastructure, services and activities.

An exciting opportunity exists at one of Mount Gambier’s iconic tourism facilities for a passionate and dedicated person(s) with an interest in tourism and the promotion of Mount Gambier and its environment.

Check out the Expression of Interest details here.

Located on the slopes of three extinct volcanic craters known as ‘The Crater Lakes’, Centenary Tower stands an impressive 190 metres above sea level; boasting spectacular views over the City and through to the sea.

After 10 years of welcoming visitors to Mount Gambier’s highest point, former Caretakers Bob and Vivien Peters have retired, meaning the unique attraction ranked third in the top 10 things to do in Mount Gambier is no longer operating as a tourism service.

The City of Mount Gambier Chief Executive Officer, Mark McShane said Council was extremely grateful to the Peters for their ongoing commitment to both the maintenance of the facility and providing visitors with an experience like no other.

“Bob and Vivien always ensured the Centenary Tower is a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike; working hard to raise the profile of Mount Gambier and its unique environment,” he added.

“Council is sad to see the Peters go but wishes them all the very best for their retirement.”

Mr McShane advised that Council is currently seeking a dedicated replacement caretaker.

Written Expressions of Interest from suitable persons are sought for the right to operate the Centenary Tower as Caretaker under Licence from Council.

“The Caretaker is responsible to attend at the Tower during periods when it is likely that visitors, tourists and education groups would wish to access the Tower, including weekends, public and school holidays (SA & Vic),” Mr McShane commented.

“We have seen an increase in the number of visitors to Mount Gambier in recent months and with Easter looming near, Council does not want this unique tourism attraction to be missed.”

The Peters are also eager to see the tower continue as an icon of Mount Gambier tourism for years to come.

The historic value of the site is significant as the foundation stone for the building was laid on 3rd December 1900 to commemorate the 100 years since the sighting and naming of Mount Gambier by Lt James Grant abroad “The Lady Nelson”.

“It is not only a unique tourist attraction, but an important part of Mount Gambier’s history,” Vivien commented.

Council seeks to grant a Licence to a suitable operator who is able to attend to the Tower on a regular basis, is knowledgeable and conversant on the features of Mount Gambier, the Crater Lakes and surrounds, is a good communicator with excellent person skills, and is committed to and prepared to work with local and regional tourism operators and Council’s Visitor Information Centre in the promotion of local/regional tourism.

Mr McShane advised potential applicants that the Caretaker is not an employment or volunteer position, and the successful Licensee will be responsible for their own transport, insurances and other arrangements,” Mr McShane said.

“A nominal retainer will be negotiated with the successful applicant and this may be supplemented by Tower entry fees and sale of merchandise,” he said.

“Submissions that demonstrate a commitment to working with other local and regional tourism operators and Council’s Visitor Information Centre in the promotion of local/regional tourism will be highly regarded.”

Expressions of Interest including details of previous experience in tourism/visitor services, appropriate references and any other relevant information are to be addressed to:

The Chief Executive Officer
City of Mount Gambier
PO Box 56,
Mount Gambier SA 5290

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to provide further information to support their applications.

For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Governance Officer, Michael McCarthy on (08) 8721 2576 or mmccarthy@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.

OPAL together with the City of Mount Gambier are excited to announce they are expecting a special visitor from the UK, experienced consultant Dr Rodney Tolley.
Two events will be held on Friday 14th February, 2014 with the special guest, as he presents the latest information on sustainable transport, sustainable cities and sustainable lives; as well as active travel issues within our City.

For more infromation check out the poster here.

All members of the community are invited to join in a special ‘Love Your Heart, Love Your City’ Valentines Day breakfast on Friday 14th February, 2014 from 7.00am to 8.30am in City Hall.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast for just $17 per person or $30 for two people.

City of Mount Gambier OPAL Manager, Deb Agnew said it was an honour to have Dr Tolley visit Mount Gambier.

“We are looking forward to his visit,” she said.

“He is an excellent presenter with an important message.

“We encourage all members of the community to participate in something a little bit different this Valentines Day,” Ms Agnew added.

A ‘Question and Answer Session’ will also be held on Friday 14th February with Stan Thompson ABC Radio Journalist from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Dress Circle, Main Corner to discuss our cities active travel issues.

Dr Tolley will be joined by three panellists from the City of Mount Gamier; Director Operational Services Daryl Sexton, Manager Regulatory Services Michael Silvy and Manager Community Services and Development Barbara Cernovskis.

Ms Agnew said the entertaining and thought provoking presenter Dr Tolley will spend several days in the City before leaving for other speaking engagements across the country.

Tickets to the breakfast are available from the Main Corner and Civic Centre. There is limited seating available at both events and attendees are asked to RSVP no later than Tuesday 11th February, 2014.

OPAL aims to improve eating and activity patterns of children through families and communities, thereby increasing the proportion of 0-18 year olds in the healthy weight range within OPAL regions.

For further information or to register your attendance contact the OPAL team at the City of Mount Gambier on (08) 8721 2586 or dagnew@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.