Murrindindi Shire Council is excited to announce it has received $1.083 million in funding to deliver 14 priority projects for the community, as part of the Australian Government's 'Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program' (LRCI Program).
The purpose of the LRCI Program is to support jobs and help local economies bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council's Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Eric Lording said the support from the Australian Government will contribute to the health and prosperity of our Shire.
'We're very pleased that 14 of our projects have successfully received funding. All are anticipated to be delivered by June next year, so the community will see quite a bit of activity in coming months. As the name of the Program suggests, the projects are related to local road improvements and community infrastructure upgrades, including footpath installation and renewal and upgrades to recreation reserves and community facilities.
'We always have a number of projects in the pipeline for future development. This funding means we are able to advance projects that met the grant criteria, but which we couldn't fund through our 2020/21 capital works budget. It is great to be able to push forward with these projects now rather than having to wait until we had funds available.
'We will be replacing cricket nets at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve with new and safer nets that don't have exposed poles with the potential for cricket balls to ricochet.
'In preparation for the opening of the summer pool season, we're going to be upgrading the pumps at the Alexandra Swimming Pool. Pending an easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we anticipate this year's pool season to be as busy as ever and we don't want the pumps to let us down.
'Families in Yea will be delighted to see the final piece of playground equipment (a spinner!) installed at the Yea Railway Reserve Playground, which will complete the Master Plan for that area. For those unfamiliar with what a 'spinner' is, I'd suggest your kids avoid it after just eating lunch!
'Almost half of the projects involve road and footpath improvements or safety and accessibility upgrades. We're going to be sealing sections of road in Yea, including between Anne and Mary Streets (at the rear of the Yea Primary School) and on Craigie Street, Marshbank Street and Smith Street. We're also delivering safety improvement works to Brooks Cutting Road in Alexandra and Gordon's Bridge Road in Castella', added Cr Lording.
'Accessibility is another priority for us. We want the community to have access to safe and well-connected footpaths and community facilities that enhance outdoor recreation. In Alexandra we're extending the footpath along Bayley Street and improving various crossing points to allow people with a disability to navigate the town safely. In Kinglake West we're installing new footpaths along Watsons Road from Kelly Court to Whittlesea-Kinglake Road. In Buxton, we're installing lighting on the footpaths of the Buxton Reserve to help people feel safer when going for a walk in the Reserve after dark. The Tumbling Waters Toilet Block in Thornton will be undergoing a significant makeover, including the renewal of plumbing fixtures, rendering, lighting, sinks and flooring. Lastly, we're going to set up seating between the Yea Pioneer Reserve and Pelissier Street to provide an area for residents to stop and rest on their way into town – if you know the spot, it's certainly not a bad place to take a minute and enjoy the great view.
'We are grateful to the Australian Government for this funding opportunity. The delivery of these projects will not only help improve our quality of life in the short term, but will help support the resilience of our local economy, as Council is committed to supporting operators and suppliers based in Murrindindi Shire wherever possible', added Cr Lording.
Helen Haines MP, Independent Federal Member for Indi, congratulated Murrindindi Shire Council on receiving this funding.
Dr Haines said federal government support for shovel-ready projects in North East communities was vital for economic and community recovery from the impacts COVID-19 business and social restrictions.
'Funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure helps to sustain jobs and improve access, amenity and safety in Yea, Alexandra, Castella, Buxton, Kinglake and Kinglake West," she said.
'Grants strengthen our communities, create opportunities and make Indi a better and more beautiful place to live."
