A WAR of words has erupted over whether an unsigned council contract is responsible for a delay in the Lake Albert lights project.
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Committee 4 Wagga chief executive officer Chris Fitzpatrick said the lights were yet to be installed, as a funding contract worth $75,000 between council and the group is yet to be signed.
“We were ready to do it two months ago,” he said.
“Now the weather is obviously an issue as well, but in reality we are not able to make a start until a contract is signed with council and that hasn’t happened yet.”
The committee has provided $75,000 of its own money for the project, which would enable greater recreational use of the lake at night and in the early morning.
A further $40,000 was fundraised through business and individual sponsorship of all the 104 light poles.
“I have had considerable contact from those people in the last few weeks wanting to get some information as to where the project is up to,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“I have been unable to satisfy their inquiries.”
In a report prepared for Monday night’s meeting, council’s infrastructure services said the delay was due to wet weather.
“(When) there is more favourable weather conditions the project will commence,” the report said.
Mr Fitzpatrick said work had been due to start the week following the Queens Birthday weekend, and is now fearful a new proposed start date of October will not be met.
The committee is now demanding answers from council, he said.
In June last year, council pledged $75,000 in money for the project.
Other costs, such as yearly maintenance, will mean the total price tag of the project to council is just under $300,000, despite a March 2015 report stating there was “no identified whole of life funding source for this project”.
Wagga City Mayor Rod Kendall said council was committed to funding the lights. “I’m not aware of anything that needs to be signed that has not been signed,” he said.