Small towns share in $100,000 of Council funding
July 6, 2016
The communities of Apollo Bay, Barwon Downs, Birregurra, Forrest, Gellibrand and Beeac will share in almost $100,000 of funding as part of Colac Otway Shire Council's Small Town Improvement Program.
Mayor Frank Buchanan said Council was delighted to support six important community initiatives as part of the annual STIP program, which made money available for projects which would not otherwise be funded as a priority through Council's capital works program.
The Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Otway Coast Committee, successfully applied for $15,000 to install three new drinking fountains on the Apollo Bay foreshore green.
Meanwhile, the Forrest community received $15,000 for a new double-sided, roofed community noticeboard, which will be managed by the Forrest District Community Group.
Cr Buchanan said he was excited about the Barwon Downs Hall project, which would involve a full replacement of the old kitchen.
"Council has provided the hall committee with $20,000 to bring their kitchen up to current food safety standards," Cr Buchanan said.
"When the general store closed at Barwon Downs the community started gathering for morning tea once a month at their hall, which we think is a great initiative to keep people connected. It's important the people of Barwon Downs have a kitchen that meets current standards."
The Birregurra Community Group received $25,000 to install a shade sail over the Birregurra playground.
Cr Buchanan said the community group had carried out consultation with the community regarding the project, which received strong support from groups including the local preschool and primary school.
"The Birregurra Community Group is committed to doing the ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the shade sail and on that basis Council is very pleased to support this initiative, which will provide children and families some extra sun protection on hot days," he said.
The Gellibrand Community Group received $20,000 of STIP funding for a new picnic shelter adjacent to the current play area in Rex Norman Park.
Cr Buchanan said further consultation would take place with the community to determine the look and design of the shelter.
"Council recently approved a new masterplan for the Rex Norman Park and this will be the first improvement implemented as part of the masterplan."
Cr Buchanan said $5000 left over from this year's STIP would be offered to the Beeac Progress Association for its 'Light up the Park' project.
"The Light up the Park project will cost $17,530 in total, however Council did not have enough STIP funding to allocate the full amount.
"On that basis, $5000 will be offered to Beeac on the proviso the community is able to find the remaining funding for the project.
"If not, the money will go back into the STIP pool to be allocated to other community projects in years to come."
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