Alice Springs Town Council and the Uniting Church say they will explore new avenues for funding the proposed meeting place and commercial development in the CBD after receiving notification the bid to secure a grant from the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) was unsuccessful.
The $60m project was first reported by the Alice Springs News Online. Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon (pictured) did not respond to a request for comment today.
Mayor Damien Ryan has expressed disappointment: “The Council submitted a $15 million application in early April to the RDAF for a project in partnership with the Uniting Church.
“Despite this unsuccessful bid I remain optimistic and we will continue to explore all opportunities that are available to us to help fund the vital investment for our town.”
Chairman of the Uniting Church Property Working Group, Dr Bruce Walker, said the church is still committed to moving forward and working with the council.
“This is an important investment for Alice Springs and we will continue to work together and examine other avenues in review of our financial model.
“The project will transform the CBD into a meeting place where every one can enjoy the town. It really will benefit our community both socially and financially and enhance our town centre”. – ERWIN CHLANDA