A $40,000 cost blow-out on work to install an irrigation system in a Sunshine memorial garden is a “serious under-estimation”, a residents group says.
The system in HV McKay Memorial Gardens was finally switched on last Tuesday, more than a year after the council awarded a $226,000 contract.
Brimbank council infrastructure and environment director Neil Whiteside said unforeseen delays had stalled the project, increasing costs by $40,000 above the original tender.
“The total cost of the project has increased due to requests from regulatory authorities to upgrade and change the location of the power meter,” he said. “All paths damaged as a result of the irrigation installation will be repaired at no cost to council and ratepayers.”
A further $40,000 will be spent to repair “previously damaged footpaths”, and another $40,000 will be used to improve garden beds and grass areas.
However, Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens vice-president Catherine McDonald said the council was being disingenuous and estimations of a cost blow-out were a serious under-estimation.
“Council claims there will be no cost to ratepayers to repair damage to paths done by the installation of the irrigation. This is utterly disingenuous,” Ms McDonald said.
“Most damage done to the paths has been the result of council activity. The council claim of $40,000 to restore garden beds and lawns is ludicrous.
“It will cost many times that.”
