Community-led placemaking projects will be delivered in Athlone, Erica and Thorpdale following Council's endorsement of its first placemaking program.
The placemaking program grants approximately $50,000 to smaller communities to deliver Capital Works projects that are at the top of the community's wish list.
Following numerous consultation sessions with each community, Council has endorsed the following projects:
Athlone
The development of a playground behind the Athlone Hall will provide play equipment and improvements to the BBQ area, including synthetic grass, rubber-based bike track, mulching and landscaping, perimeter fencing, seating and improvements to concrete at the existing sheltered BBQ area.
Inside the hall, the kitchen will receive new floor to ceiling storage cupboards.
Erica
Placemaking works in Erica will comprise:
- Street beautification works on Henty Street and Moe-Rawson Road, including construction of a timber wall with flower planting works to reflect the opposite side.
- Installation of historical information signs with photographs comparing old versus new.
- Replacement of the damaged portion of the concrete cricket pitch at the recreation reserve.
- Improvements to the parking area and signage at Mill Park to encourage increased use of trails.
- Refurbishments and upgrades to the Erica Reserve Kitchen to address non-compliance issues and improve amenity.
Thorpdale
The Thorpdale recreation reserve works will comprise an electrical transformer upgrade, and if sufficient funds are available, the resurfacing of a netball court. The transformer upgrade will improve safety at the site, increase electrical capacity for the pavilion and enable use of hot water in change rooms while oval lights are in use.
All projects above will be funded through the $200,000 committed in Council's 2018/19 Capital Works budget, with approximately $50,000 allocated to each locale.
The Jindivick community has been actively participating in the placemaking project and have agreed that further consultation will take place before a specific project is decided.
As stated by Mayor Cr Mikaela Power
"Council is committed to promoting and maintaining thriving rural and remote communities across our Shire – in ways that match the vision and desires of the residents of those communities.
The placemaking projects in Athlone, Erica and Thorpdale reflect this commitment. The works are the direct result of thorough consultation and direct collaboration with the communities and will help to improve liveability and visitor attraction to the towns."
