Two Wimmera projects are among 27 to be funded through the State Government’s $25-million Council Support Package.

The package funds projects that are designed to increase tourism, improve local infrastructure, strengthen businesses and empower volunteers – with grants ranging from $20,000 and $5- million depending on size and scope.

Horsham Rural City Council will receive $100,000 for a new playground as part of the Horsham City Oval masterplan.

The new playground will be located between the planned netball pavilion site and the multipurpose stage.  

The play area, which will have child safe gates, will not only be accessed by City Oval users but will also be open to the adjacent Sawyer Park and Wimmera River foreshore, providing visitation benefits.

The other Wimmera project to receive funding was for universal access to the Stella Young statue in Stawell’s Cato Park.

Northern Grampians Shire Council will receive $100,000 to construct a new fully-accessible path to the statue of the disability rights campaigner, supporting community cohesion and civic pride.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said the package, now fully acquitted, had successfully helped shovel-ready projects get off the ground in Victoria’s biggest regional cities and surrounding towns.

Ms Tierney said the government was building on its support for regional Victoria with exciting new projects set to boost local economies, build stronger communities and give people more reasons to stop and visit.

“We’re excited to support projects that matter to locals across rural and regional Victoria — these projects are creating better public spaces, increased economic activity and more reasons for people to visit and stay,” she said.

“Shovel-ready projects means these are projects ready to start soon – so local communities will experience the benefits of the investment in the very near future.”

The big winners from the funding announcement were $5-million for Geelong’s John Landy Athletics Field facility upgrade; $5-million for the Ballarat Major Events Precinct  – Community Sporting Facilities Upgrade, which includes new modular buildings at Frank Bourke Oval for player change rooms and amenities, umpires change rooms, administration and scorers’ box, verandah, and storage in line with the AFL Facility Guidelines; $5-million to extend the Bendigo Creek channel walkway between Golden Square, White Hills and Bendigo town centre; and $3-million for upgrades to Shepparton Sports Precinct.

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/councilsupportpackage.

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