Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced $550,000 funding for the Lake Sambell Precinct Revitalisation project, under the Andrews Labor Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.
The project is among a suite of successful initiatives as part of this year's Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.
Lake Sambell is a significant landmark in Beechworth with a rich history and important natural and cultural values, it is an important community recreation facility and a key destination for visitors to Indigo Shire and Hume Region.
Indigo Shire Mayor Jenny O'Connor has welcomed the funding announcement, which together with Council's contribution, will mean a $600,000 investment into the popular Beechworth lake.
"Lake Sambell is a beloved natural playground for our community, and a fantastic tourist attraction. The investment from both Council and the Victorian Government is a real boost to ensuring we preserve and maintain this wonderful asset for many years to come."
Councillor O'Connor said that Council staff had worked hard on the grant application and their success in securing the funds is a huge win for the local community.
The Lake Sambell Precinct Revitalisation will improve connectivity and circulation of the walking track network and provide linkages to town and other track networks. The project will upgrade walking track surfaces to ensure improved pedestrian access in conjunction with key drainage and erosion control work to improve water quality in the Lake through a variety of techniques including raised boardwalks, revegetation and water sensitive urban design.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Andrews Labor Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, support community projects and support councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round aims to revitalise local economies and continue steady recovery from the global pandemic by creating more jobs now, while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
"Our region has been hard-hit by the effects of COVID19 and we are grateful for any opportunity that helps us recover from the devastation of the last 18 months." Councillor O'Connor said.
The Fund is key to the Government's $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria unveiled in the Andrews Labor Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.
The second round of the Fund's 2020/21 program is due to open for applications from 16 June. Under this competitive round, local regional and rural councils will be invited to apply for grants.
Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au
