The Victorian Government has announced 27 new projects that will be funded through its $25 million Council Support Package, as part of efforts to make regional communities attractive places to live, work and visit.
The package, now fully acquitted, has successfully helped shovel-ready projects get off the ground in the state’s biggest regional cities and surrounding towns.
The package funds projects that are designed to increase tourism, improve local infrastructure, strengthen businesses and empower volunteers – with grants ranging from $20,000 and $5 million depending on size and scope.
In Maryborough, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy a new creative space where artists can work and show their pieces, while being inspired by the town’s Railway Station’s heritage architecture. The project, funded through a $100,000 grant, builds on the government’s recent support for the historic railway’s facelift, including an upgrade of The Station Café Bar Restaurant.
The Creswick Mountain Bike Trails and Hammon Park Trailhead will get a $100,000 grant for a new website and other promotional activities to encourage more people to visit – with the new bike trails ready for completion later in 2024.
The State Government is also helping locals stay active with upgrades to the Shepparton Sports Precinct as part of a $3 million grant that will see new changing rooms, sports equipment, indoor court improvements and pathways to link the whole precinct together.
The Ballan community will receive a $100,000 grant for a new sheltered space for gathering outside, plus new signage and playground equipment at the McLean Reserve – giving people more ways to enjoy the town’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
The Council Support Package complements the Tiny Towns Fund, which is backing projects for local communities in smaller towns of up to 5,000 people. Tiny Towns Fund first round projects will be announced in the coming months, with both programs delivered through Regional Development Victoria.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Gayle Tierney, said that the government is excited to support projects that matter to locals across rural and regional Victoria.
“These projects are creating better public spaces, increased economic activity and more reasons for people to visit and stay,” Minister Tierney said.
“Shovel-ready projects means these are projects ready to start soon – so local communities will experience the benefits of the investment in the very near future.”
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