Romsey locals will soon be able to enjoy a completed multipurpose nature park thanks to a third round of funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Romsey to announce a grant of $615,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund - Stimulus Round, supporting a long held community vision.
The Romsey Ecotherapy Park is being delivered in three stages with the Labor Government already investing $718,000 for stage two through the Regional Development Priorities 2019/2020 Fund and $200,000 through Pick My Project for stage one, bringing the total Government investment to $1.53 million.
Stage three will add a Woodland Ramble and space to encourage nature play, including a hut building frame that will complement the climbing forest for older children and adults.
Other features of the park being delivered under stage two include a sensory space as well as an arts and culture area that will be accessible for the community to use. Construction on the project is due to begin in June this year and is expected to create 12 jobs.
The Labor Government is also investing another $3.5 million under the Regional Infrastructure Fund's stimulus round for a new multipurpose community hub at the site of the Trentham Mechanics Institute and $500,000 for the first stage of the Wombat Hill Gardens Master Plan.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round will boost local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
The fund is key to the Labor Government's $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria unveiled in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.
The second round of the fund's program is due to open for applications from 16 June. Under this competitive round, local regional and rural councils will be invited to apply for grants.
Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"This has been one of my favourite projects in the Macedon Ranges and is all about ensuring Romsey locals have a beautiful public space to meet and connect in, as well as attracting visitors to Romsey from further afield."
"Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers who have worked so hard to make this project a reality - it's been wonderful to be on this journey with you and witness the dream come to fruition."
