AN extra $491,000 will be spent by Barossa Council on widening Tanunda Oval as part of redevelopment works in the recreation park precinct.

It comes as a detailed design for the oval enlargement, which includes associated landscaping, irrigation works and internal road repairs, were recently finalised.

At council’s latest meeting, elected members were told the project was expected to cost $695,550, including contingency money, $491,619 more than currently budgeted.

“Planning work has progressed to a stage where the work is ready to be tendered but there is now a considerable shortfall in allocated budget based on current projected project costs,” a staff report said.

“The park internal roads associated with the oval widening are in a highly degraded condition and do not support the establishment of a regional level facility.

“A large amount of funding has already been allocated to the park. However, in the opinion of officers, there is a high risk that not completing the full scope of works could result in piecemeal outcomes for the overall level of service that will be experienced by users of the facility and to support the level of use the park receives as Tanunda’s primary recreational and open space area.”

A motion was passed that will allow council to make up the shortfall, using developer contributions associated with Tanunda infrastructure ($64,682), and reserve funding linked to the Kiel Trust designated to the Tanunda Recreation Park ($53,142).

Council will use a further $373,795 from existing cash and investments, allocating surplus funds from 2020-21 if needed.

Elected members decided against applying for grants, which would delay the project.