Unfortunately, the funding did not go directly to the Braidwood & District Historical Society (BDHS) but was allocated to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council as the principal. According to the Grant terms, the project was to be managed by New South Wales Public Works Advisory. Initially, the grant amounted to $2.5 million but was subsequently supplemented by an additional $1.25 million due to underfunding issues. As costs escalated and inefficiencies persisted, the project had to be divided into two stages. Stage 1 was intended to be completed with enough surplus to cover most of Stage 2.

Regrettably, the funds have proved insufficient even to complete Stage 1. To date, $2.5 million has been expended, resulting only in a shell for the accommodation block and a concrete slab for the blacksmith shop. The builder has been terminated following the issuance of multiple non-compliance notices by Public Works, and numerous subcontractors remain unpaid. Federal Member Kristy McBain recently likened the site to “The Somme,” underscoring its disarray.

If a new builder is engaged promptly within the remaining funds, it is probable that only the accommodation block, new museum entrance/reception area, paths, and some landscaping can be completed. This limited progress must occur before the funding expiration date of June 30th.

It is imperative that the Government address these issues to prevent the imminent failure of the Braidwood Heritage Centre project. BDHS had provided the vision for a community project, including costings, conceptual plans, and archaeological surveys. The Government’s role was to fund the construction through the Bush Fire Recovery Grant, yet the funding structure has proven flawed, demonstrating the inefficiency of multiple governmental divisions working together.

Had the funds been allocated directly to BDHS as initially proposed, a project manager could have been employed, ensuring timely and budget-conscious completion. However, governmental inefficiency, bureaucratic ineptitude, and waste have led to considerable disappointment. Few funds have been spent locally, contrary to the stipulations of the Bushfire Recovery Grant. The architect and builder are based in Sydney, NSW Public Works operate out of Wollongong, and many tradespeople on-site are not local to Braidwood.

Architectural designs exceeded budgetary constraints under Public Works supervision, accruing fees amounting to $465,000. Heritage New South Wales significantly delayed the project and incurred additional costs, despite initial approval from Public Works’ Heritage Advisor. These delays added over $100,000 to the project costs. Public Works project management fees have reached $265,000 to date.

No construction work has occurred since early October due to unpaid subcontractors refusing to return. The remaining funds for Stage 1 are insufficient, and there is no funding available for Stage 2. The project’s financial viability hinges on completing Stage 2, which includes visitor attractions such as the artisan studios and blacksmith shop. Without these elements, the accommodation, café, and museum will not attract sufficient visitors.

BDHS maintains that the Government and its agencies mismanaged the funds rather than BDHS itself. Consequently, it is the Government’s responsibility to rectify the situation and secure the additional funding required.

Kristy McBain, Federal Member for Eden Monaro, endorsed the project, stating: “The benefits that will flow from this project are both social and economic. The viable business model will reliably sustain the Braidwood & District Historical Society and museum into the future. The precinct will become an active creative hub that will engage the local community and will be a major tourist destination with obvious social benefits. It will create opportunities for others to build on and existing businesses to benefit.”

Steve Whan, State Member for Monaro, similarly supported the project: “This centre, once completed, will be a boon to the local tourism industry and build on the arts and heritage philosophy the Braidwood community has become known for. Additionally, because the site is not council-owned, this will come at no cost to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council in terms of ongoing management and upkeep. This project will bring hospitality workers, craftsmen, and tourists to our area, and I support this project.”

Our Community Bank is willing to contribute $520,000, contingent upon the project’s completion. They recognize the benefits the Braidwood Heritage Centre will bring to the entire community. Politicians acknowledge these benefits but must take responsibility for resolving the current issues. It should not fall solely on BDHS to seek endless grants. It is incumbent upon those responsible for the current situation to address and rectify it.

Peter Smith- President Braidwood & District Historical Society

UPDATE * From Cr Bill Waterhouse 

The general manager Rebecca Ryan has sent this update to let the public know there are some positives for this project ahead. 

In essence, QPRC will be taking charge of the project away from NSW public works which has been running it so far.

In recent days, the contractor has been terminated by mutual agreement. With the support of the funding body, Council is working through steps to facilitate the transfer of funding to Council so that we can ensure current and new contractors are paid. This will allow us to have greater oversight of the project and engage a project manager who will report to Council.   

Council has not administered the funding for this project so far. However, the funding deed required Council’s involvement to be the principal on the construction contract, and to provide representatives to sit on the project control group. The funding was from the NSW Government and the project management was done by NSW Public Works Advisory.  

The bulk of the budget so far has been spent on construction costs and preparation of the site for construction. 

Funding has also been spent on project management, architect services, power line design and power poles, archaeology services, heritage services, geotechnical costs, development application and other fees, tree services, quantity surveyor, fencing and other supplies. 

With around $1.9m spent to date, Council wants to work closely together with the Braidwood District Heritage Society to use the remaining funding to engage contractors to finish the first stage of the project.