Scouts hall extension moves closer to shire funding

AN EXTENSION to the Torquay Scouts Hall is among the proposals to make it a little further up the Surf Coast Shire’s list of community projects under consideration for financial support.

Members of the 1st Torquay Scouts were in the audience at the December 11 council meeting, as councillors received the latest recommendations on the community project master list, which now has 26 outstanding proposals.

Councillors resolved to accept the officers’ recommendation to refer three proposals to the shire’s future project prioritisation and budget processes, including consideration for grant opportunities alongside other eligible projects:
• The $361,636 1st Torquay Scouts storage extension proposal, with the shire to contribute 75 per cent ($271,227) and the Scouts to contribute the rest
• The $114 Deans Marsh Reserve Festival Stand Proposal (CPP35) with a total estimated project budget of $114,075, with the shire to contribute 75 per cent ($85,560) and the community to contribute the rest, and
• The $2.1 million Surf Coast FC proposal to extend Grant Pavilion for soccer facilities, with a funding strategy that proposes the state government contribute $2 million and the club contribute the rest.
• Five of the highest ranked proposals on the Master List were also referred to the Community Project Development Officer.
• These five will be investigated in the December 2018-March 2019 quarter:
• Stage 2 of the Wurdale Hall Reserve development
• The informal ball games area at Spring Valley Park – Informal Ball Games Area
• Fitness element installation at Deans Marsh Reserve
• Extension works to Zeally Sands playground/park, and
• The verandah extension of the community resale shed at Anglesea Transfer Station.

Speaking at the council meeting, Cr Martin Duke said the Scout hall extension was at the “top of the list” this year.

“It was really pleasing to see that with all the bids going out there for Pick My Project, the Scouts came up fairly high in that (ninth in the Surf Coast Shire), but they didn’t quite get the numbers over the line to get more money there.

“For the Scouts that are here, we’re glad you’ve come along, we are behind you in getting this off the ground and hopefully we can get it all done in the next couple of years.”