Surf coast council seeks funding for community and sports projects

THE Surf Coast Shire has moved to apply for state and federal government funding to enhance shopping precincts and sports facilities.

At its meeting on 27 February, the council endorsed three new funding applications and gave the green light to three others already in progress.

Upcoming applications include a bid for $1 million from the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for upgrades to Spring Creek’s female-friendly change facilities, complemented by $700,000 from council funds. The project’s total value is $1.7 million.

For the Torquay CBD and Baines Crescent precincts projects, the council will seek $500,000 from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, with an additional $150,000 from its own reserves, totalling $650,000 for the project.

Another application aims to secure $240,000 from the Enabling Tourism Fund for the Destination Anglesea – Mountain Bike and Tourism Trail Network Detailed Design project, with council contributing $60,000, bringing the project’s total to $300,000.

Council has also approved three underway applications, including $112,618 from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund for sports lighting at the Winchelsea Bowls Club, and $100,000 for a pedestrian and cycling connection project from the Council Support Package, with additional funding from council.

A $15,000 grant from the Play Well Participation Grant Program supports a walking and all-abilities basketball program.

Councillor Heather Wellington highlighted the council’s commitment to community needs and projects.

“From more inclusive sporting facilities, to boosting the local economy through supporting projects around Torquay’s CBD and the Baines Crescent precincts, Council is embodying an enabling communities ethos,” Cr Wellington said.

“As numbers of women in sport continue to climb upgrading the changing facilities is a way of encouraging, supporting, and reflecting this participation.

“It’s also great to be supporting groups who do so much for their communities, like the Winchelsea Bowls Club.

“The lights will enable the club to compete at night and expand and make their social bowls program more accessible.”