More projects could get Fed money

CAPITAL works and community projects across Golden Plains Shire could receive a funding boost following the allocation of money from a Federal Government scheme.

Known as the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, a third wave of cash from the initiative was allocated by Shire councillors at their regular meeting last week.

Totalling just over $2.66 million, seven projects including road works, community facility upgrades and a general maintenance program will share in the cash if subsequently okayed by the Federal Government.

“Council thanks the Australian Government for its significant nearly $2.7 million allocation to Golden Plains Shire as part of its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program,” said mayor Cr Helena Kirby.

“This comes on top of $2.8 million council has already received from the program’s first two stages.”

Projects in line for the money include stages four and five of a plan to widen the Meredith-Shelford Road.

Those works would see an overall 10 kilometre stretch of the key throughfare close to completed with LRCI grants of just under $1.66 million. However, a further $320,000 will be needed to finish the capital upgrade.

Community projects would include sewer and septic system works for the Bannockburn Bowls Club and Meredith Interpretive Centre, and replacement of the boardwalk at Lethbridge Lake.

Also on the cards is a $500,000 program to renew or replace outdoor furniture and facilities across the Shire’s parks, gardens and reserves with the Bruces Creek and Leigh River Junction viewing platforms and the Lethbridge Lake amenity block high on the list.

“Should these important projects receive final approval from the Federal Government, council looks forward to delivering them over the next two years,” Cr Kirby said.

Member for the Federal seat of Ballarat Catherine King, which at the next election will take in most of the Golden Plains Shire, welcomed the allocation of funds and called on the Federal Government to approve the cash.

“I’m delighted to see that Golden Plains Shire is getting on with the job of investing in these projects, creating jobs, making roads safer and making our region an even better place to live,” she said.

“It’s now up to the Commonwealth Government to tick off these projects and get the money flowing. I call on them to do that as quickly as possible so workers in our region can get straight to work.”