Community facilities funded

FACILITIES across the Surf Coast Shire are set to benefit from more than $1 million in funding in the latest round of the federal government’s
$2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP).

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the investment in local infrastructure projects would boost economic growth across the Surf Coast and provide more opportunities for locals to get out and get active.

“The Surf Coast Shire is already set to receive world class facilities like the Aquatic Centre, now in design tender phase, and now seven new local projects will bring existing community facilities some much needed improvements,” Ms Henderson said.

She said these projects were now funded and expected to be completed this year:

• $193,700 to upgrade the drainage and irrigation at the Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve’s oval
• $160,400 to upgrade the Moriac Lions Park
• $60,000 for Stage 2 of the Connewarre Riding Club Dressage Arena upgrade
• $60,000 for improvements to Torquay Football Club interchange boxes
• $42,000 to paint and improve the Spring Valley informal ball games facility
• $36,000 to improve the Great Ocean Views community facility, and
• $30,000 for a new goal net at Mount Moriac sporting facility.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said more than 5,800 projects have already been approved under the program with around $835 million paid to councils across Australia.

“This funding will result in some much wanted facilities and infrastructure in the Surf Coast community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” he said.

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.

“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in Corangamite and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”

In June, the federal government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.

For more information on the LRCIP, head to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.