Regional funding sought for Stadium Southland
Posted on Thursday, 29 September 2011 09:30 a.m.
Stadium Southland could double as a welfare centre in a major emergency so Environment Southland is being asked to consider contributing up to $680,000 towards the costs of features that would enhance the building’s capacity. These include a stand-alone water supply, water and sewage treatment and solar powered water heating.
The Councillors received a briefing from Steve Canny, of Venture Southland, on the benefits of adding these and other eco-friendly features into the stadium as it was being rebuilt, as opposed to trying to retrofit them in the future.
Cr Brian Mason said he supported the concept of the stadium being able to act as a welfare centre but questioned whether it would service the whole region for that purpose, or just be used for Invercargill people. Mr Canny said that people from smaller communities tended to gravitate to local facilities such as schools or community centres in emergencies.
Chairman Ali Timms said she would like feedback from ratepayers around the region as to whether the Council should contemplate putting funds into the stadium, as part of its next Long-term plan.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.