More than $2 million in community projects will be delivered by Southern Grampians Shire Council in coming months, thanks to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LCRI) Program was created by the Federal Government in May 2020 to support Councils in delivering priority infrastructure projects, create jobs and bolster the local economy through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The projects to be funded and delivered in the Southern Grampians Shire under the LCRI program include:
• Hamilton Gateway Landscaping Project
• Lake Hamilton Development (Toilets and Playgrounds)
• Rural Road Numbering Program
• Upgrade common street lights with VicRoads to LED
• Dunkeld Visitor Hub
• Additional Township Footpath repairs
• Additional Rural Culvert and Drainage works
• Blackwood Road narrow culvert
• Hamilton Gallery Lift
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Bruach Colliton thanked Dan Tehan and the Morrison Government for the program, which has helped fund a number of long-awaited projects in the Shire.
“The projects funded through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will not only create jobs, but will be a vital boost to our economy and greatly improve amenity and safety in the region.
“In deciding on which projects to fund, we reviewed list of capital projects that didn’t make the cut in this year’s budget, our asset management plans, masterplans and other projects in the pipeline that could feasibily be delivered by June 2021, as per the eligibility requirements of the funding,” Cr Colliton said.
“The Gateway landscaping project commenced some time ago and has seen Coleraine road planted out from Mt Baimbridge Road to Market Place, creating what will be an incredible avenue and entrance into the CBD.
“The Lake Hamilton Development project is currently out for tender and will see a redeveloped amenities block and playground near the boatramp, greatly improving what is a well-utilised area of Hamilton particularly during the summer months.
“The Rural Road numbering project is one we are so happy to be able to deliver through this funding as we know how vital accurate property numbering in rural areas is for emergency services. This funding has meant we have been able to deliver this project without any residential contribution which is very pleasing,” Cr Colliton continued.
“Our outer townships and rural property owners will also benefit from additional rural culvert and drainage works, and increased township footpath repairs and maintenance.
“We cannot understate the importance, value and timely allocation of these funds into our community at a time when all of Australia is doing it tough as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are all truly grateful and appreciative of the Morrison Federal Government, and in particular the advocacy of Dan Tehan for Regional Australia, and of course south-west Victoria across the Wannon Electorate,” Cr Colliton concluded.