Five small towns receive Small Town Improvement Program funding
July 27, 2017
The townships of Birregurra, Forrest, Gellibrand, Apollo Bay and Kennett River will share in $96,100 in funding through Council’s annual Small Town Improvement Program.
Highlights from this year’s funding rounds include a grant of $25,000 to the Kennett River Association to create a plan that responds to issues of parking, pedestrian safety and lack of infrastructure suitable to meet an increase in tourism numbers.
Birregurra residents will enjoy the benefits of a $20,700 grant for outdoor exercise equipment to be installed at the Birregurra Park.
Meanwhile, the Forrest community have an opportunity to improve the Forrest common area with $15,000 being allocated to their project master plan.
Mayor Chris Potter said STIP provided the opportunity for community infrastructure projects to be undertaken in small communities which would otherwise have to compete for limited Council capital works funding.
“STIP projects aim to improve economic development in these small communities and generate community enthusiasm and pride.
“The STIP program also enables community groups to work with Council to leverage grants from other levels of government, increasing the potential size and scope of the project.
“For example, Council previously allocated a $15,000 STIP grant towards the Gellibrand Rex Norman Park master plan and infrastructure and worked with local residents to attract a $100,000 grant from the State Government for its implementation. This project is set to have stage one completed shortly which is a great result for the community,” Cr Potter said.
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