Murrindindi Shire Council has received over $2 million to deliver a further 15 priority projects, as part of the Australian Government's 'Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program' (LRCI Program). The LRCI Program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council's Community Assets and Emergencies Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said the funds will be put towards a range of infrastructure upgrades.
'Following the recent funding announcement from the Victorian Government for the redevelopment of Thomas Marr and Walter Moore Reserves, as part of Council's Eildon Splash and Skate Park, we're pleased to announce that we have received additional funding of $400,000 through the LRCI Program to support key elements of this significant project.
'Eildon's Main Street shopping precinct is also set to receive a makeover, with funding allocated to revitalise the vegetation and landscaping in this area and to install irrigation to allow the gardens to thrive during drier months.
'In Marysville, we're constructing stage two of the footpath along Falls Road in Marysville from Gould Terrace to Hill Avenue. We're working towards having a continuous footpath from Park Road to Hill Avenue along Falls Road, allowing greater access for residents and visitors so they can walk to the town centre and easily enjoy the fabulous walking trails in that area. As part of these works, we'll also be replacing some of the trees along this section of Falls Road. The planting will generally follow the new section of pathway to provide shade for people using the path in the future.
'As part of the Alexandra Rotary Park and Visitor Activity Precinct Project, we will use funding to install improved lighting in the area, allowing users to feel safe when enjoying the Precinct after dark. We'll also upgrade the gravel carpark on Downey Street in Alexandra to create a more formal carpark area for residents and visitors to use when accessing the Precinct.
'Reinforcing our commitment to taking action on climate change, we'll install new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the township of Alexandra.
'With the morning frosts we've been getting, I doubt anyone is thinking about a dip at one of our local pools. However, once summer rolls around, the Yea Swimming Pool will be a sight for sore eyes, with a brand new swimming pool liner being installed', Cr McAulay added.
'Infrastructure and community facilities at the Yea Recreation Reserve will be receiving some upgrades, including the main entry from Snodgrass Street, the football pavilion building and the clubrooms. We're also making improvements to the tennis clubrooms on Spring Road in Terip Terip.
'The final elements of the Kinglake Streetscape Project will be delivered with funding from the LRCI Program. Once construction of the Kinglake Village is complete, we'll work with the developers to update the footpath and kerb interface and ensure the Streetscape Project works in nicely with the Village retail precinct.
'Based on Council's Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale and Toolangi – Plan and Design Framework, which was prepared in consultation with local communities and adopted by Council in 2015, it was determined that the suburbs of Pheasant Creek and Kinglake West need clearer identities to encourage visitation and localised development. One of the first steps we're taking to support these outcomes is to install township entry signs at three different entry points to signify the different suburbs.
'We are very grateful to the Australian Government for this additional funding opportunity. These projects will have a significant impact on our community and the quality of life we all enjoy in Murrindindi Shire', added Cr McAulay.
Independent Federal Member Helen Haines MP welcomed the funding, "This funding for important infrastructure in Murrindindi Shire will improve the amenity of towns across the region, benefiting locals of all ages and encouraging more tourists to enjoy our beautiful towns.
I am pleased the Australian Government has delivered this funding to increase the safety and usability of important public spaces like the Eildon Main Street, the Falls Road footpath in Marysville, the Alexandra Rotary Park and Yea Swimming Pool.
Upgrades at the Yea Recreation Reserve and Terip Terip tennis clubrooms will make it easier to enjoy local sporting facilities.
Projects like the Kinglake streetscape and increased signage for Pheasant Creek and Kinglake West improve the aesthetics of our towns and add to the sense of identity and pride we have for these places.
Electric vehicle charging stations in Alexandra will benefit locals who switch to electric vehicles and allow the town to become a destination for tourists with electric vehicles.
I am committed to working with the new Australian Government in the same way I worked with the former Australian Government to progress funding for local roads and community infrastructure, which our communities benefit from every day."
