General News
1 July, 2024
Seven local projects in the shire benefit from the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund
With an investment of around $250,000 set to fuel several local towns, it’s clear that the Central Goldfields Shire’s smallest communities are getting ready to usher in big projects and changes. Apart from the business centre of Maryborough, the...
With an investment of around $250,000 set to fuel several local towns, it’s clear that the Central Goldfields Shire’s smallest communities are getting ready to usher in big projects and changes.
Apart from the business centre of Maryborough, the shire’s boundary encompasses a number of vibrant, but less populated, townships — stretching all the way from Talbot to Bealiba.
Housing less than 5000 residents, these communities are now being backed with sizeable funding as part of the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Successful recipients of the program’s first round were announced last week, with more than 200 new initiatives, including close to half a dozen local projects, sharing in $20 million — with the funding making “tiny towns across Victoria even better places to live, work, and stay”.
From community halls to local sporting club upgrades, in our region, the fund as well as the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC), are contributing to important projects.
Out of the seven beneficiaries, the big ticket items cover Talbot’s ANA Hall, the Bowenvale Playground and the Tullaroop Leisure Centre.
Here’s a breakdown of all local investments:
$9000 for the Adelaide Lead Hall — upgrades to the plumbing at Adelaide Lead Hall to connect water and CGSC will contribute $4000.
$21,563 for the Bealiba Historic Horse Trough Relocation — restore horse trough and relocate to a more prominent position and CGSC will contribute $7187.
$50,000 for the Bowenvale Playground — upgrades to Bowenvale Playground including up-dating play equipment and fencing, relocation of playground from privately owned land to Crown Land managed by council, and CGSC will contribute $50,000.
$37,500 for the Majorca Cemetery — works to install new perimeter fencing at the cemetery, and CGSC will contribute $12,500.
$31,050 for the Dunolly Senior Citizens Hall — electrical switchboard and heating/cooling upgrade, CGSC will contribute $10,350.
$50,000 for the Talbot ANA Hall — ANA Hall Restump, structural repairs, re-lay flooring, pressed metal repairs and roof repairs, CGSC will contribute $25,000 and Committee of Management will contribute $25,000.
$50,000 for the Tullaroop Leisure Centre — squash court restoration, court resealing, carpet and security upgrades, CGSC and the Tullaroop Leisure Centre Committee will contribute $12,500 each.
According to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, the government is backing “rural communities and the locals that call them home” through the Tiny Towns Fund.
“It feels like Christmas Day for the Central Goldfields Shire,” she said.
“I’m so pleased almost all our smaller communities outside Maryborough have received funds to make improvements to their much-loved community assets.
“Our smallest communities are full of some of the best people you’ll ever meet — they work tirelessly to support their neighbours, preserve local history, and create tourist drawcards to the region. That’s why [we’re supporting] them with this brand-new grant.”
While it’s good news for successful recipients, there were a number of projects that did not receive a favourable outcome — but hope is not lost.
“For any local community groups who missed out, there will be another round of the Tiny Towns Fund later this year,”Ms Haylett said.
“I encourage groups to reach out to me directly so I can write them a support letter and get in the ear of the Minister for Regional Development on their behalf.”
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Liesbeth Long also welcomed the announcement — while noting council’s ongoing effort to source finances for the remaining initiatives.
“[It’s exciting to see that] we have been successful in securing funding for seven out of 14 projects that were submitted as part of Victorian Government’s Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund,” she said.
“Federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils such as ours to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure and so we are grateful for this funding to deliver these really important projects for our community.
“We will continue to seek funding opportunities for the unsuccessful projects.”