Shire picks two projects for fast-tracked state funding

PLANS for the use of public land in Torquay’s town centre and mountain bike trails in Anglesea will be fast-tracked if a funding application from the Surf Coast Shire council is successful.

Councillors considered an officers’ report about what projects to submit to the state government’s Investment Fast Track Fund (IFTF) at their July 27 meeting.

The IFTF provides an opportunity for councils to secure up to $500,000, with up to a 4:1 funding ratio, to complete the planning or business case phase of a project or projects to advance them to an investment-ready status.

The first proposed application is for a Torquay Town Centre Public Domain Plan with a total cost of $220,000 ($170,000 from the IFTF and a $50,000 council contribution).

The plan will enable the scoping, costing and detailed design of key projects identified on public land in the Torquay Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF), bringing them to a shovel ready status for potential future funding.

These projects include a landscaping plan including species selection and landscape recommendations on canopy, shade, and planter boxes; activation options of streets (such as Gilbert Street) and public areas with wider footpaths for outdoor dining and events; identifying potential public art spaces to celebrate and reveal local stories; and confirming the change of Gilbert Street to one-way traffic (the UDF recommends traffic flow towards the coastline).

The second project the shire is applying for is a Mountain Bike Trail Network Detailed Assessment and Design, with a total cost of $120,000 ($80,000 from the IFTF with a $40,000 council contribution).

The Anglesea Mountain Bike Trail Network Concept Plan was endorsed by the Project Control Group in April this year, and the IFTF project will implement the key actions needed to take the next step.Detailed vegetation and cultural heritage assessments will be completed for Parks Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and Traditional Owners so they can provide approval for the concept network.

The assessments will determine the viability of new and informal trails, which in turn will enable the determination of the feasibility of the overall trail network.

There will also be an economic impact assessment, to provide an evaluation of the potential for the project to contribute to the local economy through increased visitation, overnight stays and spending.

Councillors unanimously voted to submit the two projects to the IFTF.

Cr Mike Bodsworth said the funding ratio of 4:1 was “unusually favourable”.

“Usually it’s a 1:1 ratio, where a council’s contribution compared to the external body’s contribution is dollar for dollar,” he said.

“I wish our applications all the good luck I can give them.”

Cr Adrian Schonfelder said the Surf Coast already had a strong association with cycling through the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

“To be a mecca, for the lack of a better word, for cycling is something I really encourage for having healthier, more engaged communities.”