Council seeks $1 million from Building Better Regions Fund

THE Surf Coast Shire council will seek more than $1 million for projects in the latest round of the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

At their February meeting, councillors agreed with the officers’ recommendation to put forward two proposals eligible for the BBRF’s Infrastructure Project Stream.

This is intended to fund the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure, with a focus to support investment-ready tourism-related projects that deliver jobs and drive economic and social benefits in regional and remote areas.

After an assessment of eligible candidates in the council’s project pipeline, two key projects have been identified as council’s strongest applications under the Infrastructure Project Stream:

• The second and final stage of the Barwon River Loop Walk. Representing the final stage of the 2km walk in Winchelsea, connecting the four quadrants of the town together, improving the visitor experience and is identified in the Growing Winchelsea Shaping Future Growth (2015) strategy as the highest infrastructure priority. Total project cost $630,000, including $300,000 from the BBRF, and
• Torquay Walking and Cycling Connections. Comprising five sections of shared cycling and walking trails and paths in Torquay/Jan Juc. These pathways were recognised as strategically important through the development of the Torquay Jan Juc Developer Contribution Plan. Total project cost: $1.49 million, including $705,000 from the BBRF.

The council will draw its contribution for the two projects from existing cash reserves.

“There’s nothing that could be not good about getting some money to put this sort of infrastructure in,” Cr Heather Wellington said.

“It’s infrastructure which keeps people active, which is great.”

Cr Kate Gazzard said there were “quite a few” other worthy projects considered, but they were not deemed investment-ready nor aligned with the funding.

Applications to the BBRF closed on March 5, and successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.