Murrindindi Shire Council has received an additional $1.105 million to deliver another six priority projects, as part of the second round of funding under the Australian Government's 'Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program' (LRCI Program).
Council's Community Assets and Emergencies Portfolio Councillor Eric Lording said as part of the LRCI Program's Round One funding last year, Council received $1.083 million to deliver 14 projects, which support local economies to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Since then we're pleased to say we have completed 7 of the original 14 projects, including upgrades to the Kinglake Memorial Cricket Nets and Tennis Courts, Yea Railway Reserve Playground and a range of footpath and road safety upgrades – to name a few!
'We're thrilled that an additional six projects have qualified for funding in the second round of the Program. We are looking to finish these by the end of the year and works are already well underway, with the remaining upgrades to the Kinglake Memorial Tennis Courts completed.
'Using funds from the first round of the LRCI Program, we replaced the synthetic playing surface of Court 1 and with funding from Round 2, we were able to do the same to Court 2. This ensures the entire facility is safe for players.
'It was fantastic to work with the Kinglake Ranges Tennis Club on this project, which also included the addition of a ramp to improve accessibility for everyone. We take great pride in our positive relationships with sporting groups across the Shire and we'll continue to work together with them to improve infrastructure that supports active recreation in our communities.
'Funds from the second round of the Program will be put towards a range of infrastructure upgrades. We're making some exciting improvements to the cricket nets and cricket pitch in Leckie Park in Alexandra. Come summertime the pitch will be ready to go for our keen cricketers!
'As we edge closer to winter, I doubt anyone is thinking about a dip at one of our local pools. However, once summer rolls around, the Eildon Swimming Pool will be looking pretty good, with a brand new swimming pool liner being installed', Cr Lording added.
'Residents living on Kinglake-Glenburn Road in Kinglake and on Mt Kitchner Avenue in Marysville will be pleased to hear that we're replacing the underground drains along these streets to allow for additional capacity during periods of high rainfall. The new drains will be able to handle a lot more rain and will alleviate minor localised flooding issues.
'Council is also repairing the drainage and road surface along Main Street and Utah Place in Eildon. These roads are currently looking a little worse for wear so we're excited to give these streets a bit of a makeover and install some additional infrastructure to help maintain their condition.
'We are very grateful to the Australian Government for this additional funding opportunity. These projects might seem small in scale but these improvements will have a positive impact on our community and the quality of life we all enjoy in this beautiful Shire', added Cr Lording.
Independent Federal Member Helen Haines MP welcomed the funding. "Projects like this support local construction and trades jobs. The long-term health and wellbeing benefits of having fantastic sporting facilities is immeasurable. And the road infrastructure upgrades improve the quality of our roads, making getting around safer and easier for everyone".
Kinglake Ranges Tennis Club President, Sacha Pidot, said the Club is extremely grateful to Council for their help in securing funding for the court resurfacing project and for providing ramp access to the club. "Support from Council has meant that this project could be finished in a short timeframe, allowing us to provide our members with safe and playable tennis courts. These resurfaced courts will allow us to get back to full playing capacity, help us to grow our membership and provide adults and youth in the community with a place where they can continue to participate in and enjoy tennis".
