Big boost for tiny towns

TINY Towns in Moorabool are set for a boost with the announcement of funding for two local projects.

Moorabool Shire Council has been successful with applications to fund a Lal Lal Falls master plan and a Ballan Cycling Hub Feasibility Study through the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund, which supports towns with fewer than 5000 residents.

Grants range from $5000 to $50,000, supporting small but meaningful projects, helping rural and regional communities to flourish.

Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell hopes the funds for Lal Lal will boost tourism in the area.

“We’ve decided we’re going to create a master plan for the whole Lal Lal Falls area,” he said.

“It deserves a bit of love so it can be an even better tourist attraction, but we need a roadmap to understand what we want while still respecting the natural beauty of the area.”

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said she loves the broad scope of the Tiny Towns Grants Program.

“Sometimes it’s a local community group with an idea to do something, but in this case, Moorabool Shire Council are going to put together a master plan, and a feasibility study,” she said.

“Everyone in our region knows how gorgeous the Lal Lal Falls are.

“Families over the generations have come out here for a picnic and a walk, and a master plan will look to make it an even more beautiful place to visit.

“The Ballan Cycling Hub feasibility study will look at bike paths and routes throughout the town.

“Ballan is a gorgeous, growing town, and if we have the infrastructure to get local people out and about on their bikes then it’s a great win for the community.

“Our tiniest towns have the biggest hearts, and this investment will help make sure they continue to be places where people want to live, work, stay and play.”