Further delays have caused a local sports club to request Mount Gambier City Council remain committed to its $75,000 funding allocation in order to see the project through to completion.

The amount was originally awarded to East Gambier Sportsmen’s Club in November 2021 for toilet demolition and replacement materials.

The project has already taken 18 months, with initial delays in sourcing contractors and materials.

These delays forced the club to request an initial extension, which was approved in August 2022.

However, more recently an additional request has been sought by the club due to further project delays.

A report in relation to the matter will be tabled for discussion at City Council’s July meeting being held today.

Council’s Financial Services manager Julie Scoggins said further delays had been caused by an extensive lava crust.

“A request was received on June 30 to extend the funding commitment,” she said.

Ms Scoggins will present a recommendation to council to formally consider approving the $75,000 grant be carried forward as part of the Carry Forward 2023/2024 Capital Works and Grants/Scholarships Budgets.

Club president Pete Dwyer said to date the club has expended around $23,600 including excavations.

“A delay in extensive lava crust has meant the concrete pad has not been completed to erect the building,” he said.

As a result, the club is awaiting a larger machine to break up the lava.

Mr Dwyer said this is necessary in order to meet code for underground plumbing.

He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of July.