Garage a ‘fantastic’ Waimate asset
A $140,000 five-bay garage has been built to house three Waimate Community Vehicle Trust vehicles.
The garage, alongside the Waimate Event Centre, was a cofunded project with the Waimate District Council contributing up to $50,000 and the trust providing a capital investment of $90,000.
Waimate mayor Craig Rowley said the trust was keen to centralise its vehicles in one place and approached the council to consider a proposal to garage them.
Construction began in November 2019 with the tilt-slab design selected to match the construction techniques used for the event centre, he said.
‘‘While the facility belongs to the council, the Waimate Community Vehicle Trust will occupy it for a peppercorn rent and cover electricity costs,’’ Rowley said.
‘‘The new garage is a fantastic new asset for the community by providing a permanent base that will ensure the maintenance and longevity of the vehicles.
‘‘The Waimate Community
Vehicle Trust provides a vital service for the district enabling people without transport to make connections around town and to neighbouring districts.
‘‘This is an important service that benefits our community and council is pleased to have assisted the trust with this project,’’ Rowley said.
The first community vehicle in 1980 was a van with wheelchair hoist and was operated by the Waimate Lions Club.
In 1986, the Waimate Community
Vehicle Trust formed and became a charitable trust. At this time the administration of the trust passed from the Waimate Lions Club to a community-based trust consisting of community and service club trustees.
The need for a more economical option for a growing passenger service saw the purchase of the first car in 2003.
Due to increased demand, the trust retained two cars from 2006 to operate its day-to-day operation.