Indigo Shire is hoping the recently adopted Chiltern Destination Playspace project will qualify for significant federal government funding under the newly created Growing Regions Grant Fund.
Council will submit an application for $15M to fund the playground and is also backing an application from Tourism North East to deliver the Rutherglen Silo Art Precinct Project.
Mayor, Sophie Price says both these projects fit the grant funding criteria, which is to deliver capital works infrastructure projects that drive economic prosperity, revitalise and enhance communities in regional and rural Australia.
"We are incredibly excited at the opportunity to pitch these amazing projects to the government and we have every confidence that they are exactly what this fund is intended for."
The concept designs present a vision shared by many, for a high profile, aesthetically beautiful game changing attraction and economic drawcard in Chiltern. The playspace will include a climate themed playground and water play area, pump track and accessible board walk around Lake Anderson, as well as a reimagined community and destination swimming pool complete with a resort style pool, thermal pools and wellness spaces.
Cr Price says the project is complete with a business case, 'shovel-ready' concept design report, as well as a detailed Pool Feasibility Assessment Report. The economic business case, completed in 2020, estimates the playspace would attract an extra 77,000 visitors to Chiltern, generating an additional $1.1M spend in the village in its first year of completion. This is expected to grow to 95,000 visitors and $1.7M additional spend annually by year 10. Ongoing, the project would generate at least 19 new jobs for the township.
"This is a catalyst for economic growth, employment and infrastructure investment to continue growing Chiltern into a vibrant, sustainable and sought-after community in the heart of Indigo Shire."
"It also ensures the future sustainability of the towns National Trust buildings, heritage streetscape and cultural heritage sites which will directly benefit from the growth in visitation and awareness of Chiltern as a must visit destination, "Cr Price says.
