THERE is increased optimism the Slim Dusty Centre could be open before the end of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gravel and fill for the driveway have been stockpiled at the South Kempsey facility in readiness for the start of work as early as October.
Slim Dusty Foundation CEO Kathryn Yarnold said the work was likely to take six to eight weeks, after which the centre would open - initially in a limited capacity.
The foundation had raised $401,000 in cash and in kind towards the access work.
This included $100,000 from Kempsey Shire Council, a grant from the NSW Premier and more than $30,000 in equipment hire from Clybucca Earthmoving.
Work on the reception area is due to begin in August.
“The completion of the ‘right-hand turn’ (driveway) will allow us to open for events and functions hire before the end of the year,” Ms Yarnold said yesterday.
“Then work would begin on the merchandise area and we have a grant from the federal government for the fit-out requirements of the temporary galleries.
“This would allow us to accommodate the travelling exhibition from the Powerhouse Museum.”
The foundation has been working to a contingency plan since its failure to secure further federal assistance from the Regional Development Australia Fund.
Its construction management sub-committee resolved on Tuesday to review the design of the public access.
“Because it’s no longer the Pacific Hwy, the complexities of the requirements for a ‘right-hand turn’ (entrance) are reduced,” Ms Yarnold said.
“We’re working towards identifying more areas that will mean a reduction of cost.”
If work does not start in October, the opening could be delayed by about four months.
Ms Yarnold said the impact on holiday traffic and the availability of contractors meant it might be February before the driveway underwent construction.
Mick Reid, the owner of Clybucca Earthmoving said he was happy to continue his support for the Slim Dusty Centre.
“We did a lot of work with Lahey’s when it was built,” he said.
“We’ve been keen to help out again with bringing in the materials using our equipment.”
Ms Yarnold praised Mr Reid’s contribution and said she welcomed any other support the local business community was prepared to offer.
