Funding hopes for key community projects

SURF Coast Shire council has dangled a major carrot in front of candidates for upcoming elections by rousing community support for its planned Surf Coast Cultural Centre.

Sports facility upgrades and big-money community centre projects are also high on the council’s funding wishlist as the region approaches a busy voting cycle.

The council reinforced its priority advocacy projects at its March meeting, with an officer’s report noting the upcoming period was crucial in the council’s efforts to attract major funding with a federal election looming in May and a state ballot slated for November.

The SCCC topped the list of council wants, as a project it said would turbocharge the Great Ocean Road region tourism sector’s recovery from COVID-19.

Modelling predicts a windfall of $173 million in direct and indirect economic impact and 750 long-term jobs when the grand plan is realised.

A $36.8 million first stage has an $8 million council commitment, with the shire pursuing a further $29 million between Canberra and Spring Street to kick off construction.

The first stage, which the council believed could start in 2024, would include an expanded surf museum and a host of locally significant arts, culture and tourism facilities, including the redeveloped Multi Arts Centre at Beach Road.

Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton urged residents to contact their local politicians and drum up support for the marquee project.

“Community support will be key for us securing funding for this exciting project, which will have far-reaching impact benefiting generations,” Cr Stapleton said.

“With a federal election on the way we are asking people to let MPs, Ministers and candidates know how much the Surf Coast Cultural Centre will mean for our community.”

The centre is the largest fish in a pond packed full of projects that council officers believe could be of “high interest” to spend-happy candidates before voters head to the polls.

The council report earmarked $7.6 million worth of sports upgrades, including a $3.5 million synthetic sports facility for Torquay Hockey Club and other local groups, $1.4 million for female change rooms for Torquay’s Spring Creek Reserve and a $2.7 million second stage of a pavilion extension at Banyul-Warri Fields.

The shire also outlined at least $12 million of asset renewal that could do with a funding boost; including up to $3 million for Deans Marsh Community Hall, more than $2 million for a Spring Creek Reserve Oval upgrade, and at least $4 million for a Winchelsea Pool revamp.

The council is also seeking $3.8 million to build a new bridge at Pollocksford Road, Gnawarre, to protect the existing crossing that received heritage protection earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the council will continue calls for Canberra to scrap a requirement that it hosts citizenship ceremonies on January 26 each year, following a decision from last year to recognise the day as one of mourning for First Nations people.

It will also maintain its stance against offshore resource exploration in areas that pose a threat to the Surf Coast.