General News
15 April, 2025
Funding promise for Avoca
The Avoca Streetscape Im-provement Program could get a $250,000 boost, with Member for Mallee Anne Webster commit-ting the funding if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election.
Dr Anne Webster joined Pyrenees Shire mayor Tanya Kehoe and Cr Rebecca Wardlaw on Wednesday morning to announce the Coalition election promise.
“I am so pleased to commit $250,000 on behalf of The Nationals if we form government, to contribute to the Avoca streetscape project,” she said.
The Avoca Streetscape Improve-ment Program is the second of the three elements that fall under the Activate Avoca project, implemented to upgrade the amenity of the township of Avoca.
This funding will allow Pyrenees Shire Council to continue imple-menting the program, which will include the High Street footpath and access improvements, outdoor seating and improved pedestrian walkways.
“These upgrades will provide improved tourism signage, safer pedestrian access, and an aesthetically enhanced streetscape that supports local businesses,” Dr Webster said.
Upgrades already implemented within the Avoca Streetscape Improvement Program include pedestrian outstands and road surface upgrades.
Dr Webster said the upgrades to streetscape infrastructure were not only important for both local pedestrians and businesses, but also for tourism in the Mallee.
“Avoca residents are very proud of their town with good reason, as a gateway to the renowned Pyrenees wine region, I know Pyrenees Shire Council have been keen to back them by improving their streetscape which needs a refresh after many years,” she said.
The overall cost of the Activate Avoca project is $870,000, with the Avoca Streetscape Improvement Program to cost $370,000.
Mayor Kehoe welcomed the election promise from Dr Webster to continue council’s Avoca Streetscape Improvement Program.
“Avoca is the beautiful gateway to the amazing Pyrenees and this election promise would help show-case our wonderful High Street,” she said.
“Not many towns have such a great space to stop and have a coffee or something to eat before heading out to explore the vineyards and the wineries, and to see it better utilized would be fantastic.”
Other components of the Activate Avoca project include upgrading the railway precinct and