The MoU details the respective roles of Council and the Foundation in the on-going operation and development of SAM. While Council will continue to operate SAM, the Foundation is charged with raising money to help fund the capital and/or operating cost if the development of a new SAM is deemed feasible and is supported by Greater Shepparton Councillors and the broader community.
“Council is currently undertaking a feasibility study into the potential new SAM with the support of the Victorian Government. It is anticipated that the feasibility study and business case will be completed later this week”, said Greater Shepparton City Council CEO, Gavin Cator.
“From here Councillors will be briefed in January 2015, with the aim of a full report being prepared and presented in February 2015. It is anticipated that consultation with the community regarding any potential new SAM location and building design will hopefully commence in March 2015.”
“Initial findings from the study indicate that the most feasible location for a potential new SAM would be the south eastern corner of the Victoria Park Lake precinct”, said Mr Cator.
“It is also likely there will be a recommendation that a potential new SAM should be a publicly owned company limited by guarantee. Despite initial information being made available, at no point has a decision been made that a new SAM will be going ahead. As outlined, there is still an extensive reporting and consultation process to be undertaken.”
The SAM Foundation has been up and running since April and is accepting donations via the Tree of Giving which is displayed in the SAM entrance. The goal of the Tree of Giving is to raise $500,000 over 12 months to contribute to the potential creation of a new SAM. You can pledge your support for a new SAM by purchasing from the SAM shop a Gold, Silver or Bronze leaf with your name inscribed to be added to the Tree of Giving.
