Community
5 July, 2024
Cash boost for towns
WOODFORD, Port Fairy, Nirranda and Koroit have all received funding for community-led projects in the latest round of the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Visiting the district late last week, Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora, announced that 20 new projects across the South West Coast would benefit from the first round of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund.
“These projects help to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work, stay and play,” Ms Ermacora said.
“From community halls to local sporting club upgrades, the fund is strengthening community connections and encouraging more visitors to all corners of Victoria.”
Among the list of successful applicants, Warrnambool City Council has received $50,000 for construction of a multi-use pathway for a shared zone of Bridge Road and the Woodford Primary School footpath.
In Port Fairy, the town’s amateur basketball association has been allocated $16,800 to deliver refurbishments to the stadium for painting and replacing player and score benches.
Moyne Shire Council was also on the recipient list, receiving $22,368 to deliver the installation of three-phase power to the Port Fairy Rail Goods Shed.
This money will be added to a previously allocated $7,300 from council.
“We’ve seen what a great space the Goods Shed is for community events, so upgrading the electrical infrastructure will make it that much easier to host live music and other events without needing to hire generators,” deputy mayor Foster said.
The council was also allocated a further $28,615 from the state government to deliver a business case investigating upgrading/activating the Koroit Theatre.
Cr Foster said the council had also allocated $6,300 toward the project and, along with a further $3,000 from the theatre committee, the money would be used to develop a business case for upgrades.
“The theatre is much loved and well used – so a business case for upgrades to sound, vision and lighting equipment will be developed to direct future investments,” Cr Foster said.
“It will also look at how we might be able to better use the space to make it even better for the community.”
Nirranda Recreation Reserve also featured on the list of recipients, with $24,317 allocated for a master plan to upgrade the reserve (with council to contribute an additional $5,000).
“The recreation reserve is an important meeting place for the community, so the plan will look at existing and possible future uses and highlight the priorities for investment in the facilities over the next 10-15 years,” Cr Foster said.
“We thank the state government for these funds and are thrilled we were successful in all four of our applications.
“These are important projects all focused on much loved and well utilised community spaces, and will ensure they remain that way for years to come.”
