Corangamite Shire Council has thanked the Victorian Government for funding Tiny Towns projects across the Shire.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney this month announced six successful projects in Corangamite as part of Round 3 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund, including Council's Timboon Precinct Plan and five community projects.
They are:
- Timboon Precinct Plan Implementation – Phase 1: $50,000
- Skipton Football Netball Club playground: $50,000
- Terang Scout Hall restoration and activation: $35,280
- Heytesbury Historical Museum Major Maintenance: $48,000
- Cobden Miniature Railway station/platform floor rectification: $23,100
- Wiridjil Hall refurbishment: $24,000
Mayor Kate Makin said the Tiny Towns Fund was a much welcome source of funding to deliver projects that otherwise would not be possible.
"Council is grateful for the Government's approval of our application and also congratulates the successful community organisations.
"Without community volunteer committees, these other projects wouldn't become a reality.
"The funding Council has received will allow implementation of the first stage of the Timboon Precinct Plan which was adopted in 2024.
"The plan was developed with significant community input about how to better use the area around Power Creek, the village green, the former Senior Citizens Centre and the Railway Shed.
"Sitting at the intersection of the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail and Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng trail to Port Campbell, the area is increasingly becoming a place for tourism and events.
"The project will include improved signage and wayfinding, bike parking facilities, E-bike charging infrastructure and shade structures.
"It really will become a Mecca for cyclists to stop and discover Timboon as they explore the Great Ocean Road hinterland."
With additional funding from Council, the Phase 1 Implementation Project aims to:
- Increase visitation to Timboon;
- Improve accessibility and user experience;
- Support active transport;
- Increase activation of the Village Green;
- Strengthen economic activity and community participation; and
- Support tourism linked to the Rail Trail network.
Round 3 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund will deliver 157 projects across 151 towns with less than 5,000 people.
"Our smaller towns have so much to offer. They're built on strong community spirit and passionate volunteers, and it's fantastic to see their hard work backed through the Tiny Towns Fund." Ms Tierney said.
Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle said: "Some of Victoria's best communities are also our smallest, and the Tiny Towns Fund is helping make sure they have the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive."
