Three much-loved community assets in Corangamite Shire will get valuable upgrades thanks to recent funding allocation.
Mayor Kate Makin thanked the State Government for the funding to upgrade the Camperdown Botanic Gardens path network and replace floors at Darlington and Terang halls. "These are all community-led projects, supported by Council," Cr Makin said.
Council allocated $100,000 in the 2024-2025 Budget for pathway upgrades in Camperdown's Botanic Gardens, with equal parts from Council and the Government.
"This project can go ahead now that funding has been awarded through Regional Development Victoria's Rural Tiny Towns Fund," Cr Makin said.
"The project involves upgrading the path network in the Botanic Gardens including re-aligning some of the pathways for better access, repairs to the path edges, drainage improvements, and a new layer of scoria.
"The existing paths were laid out many years ago. They have lost their top layer making the surface uneven and difficult to walk on, particularly for people who use mobility aids.
"The new paths will improve the accessibility so more community members and visitors can enjoy Camperdown's pride and joy."
In Terang, the main auditorium at the Terang Civic Hall will be reinforced with new blackbutt flooring, Cr Makin said.
"The new flooring will improve accessibility for people with disability as it will bring the main hall floor to the same level as adjoining floors.
"Council is auspicing this grant on behalf of The Terang Civic Hall Committee and will administer the grant funds and deal with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions on behalf of the committee."
Another $40,000 will go to laying, sanding and sealing a new floor at the Darlington Hall.
"Over the past 10 years the Darlington community have done a fantastic job—with the support of the Berrybank Wind Farm and Council—to give the hall a new roof, stumps and kitchen, paint the inside and carry out drainage works," Cr Makin said.
"In the 2024-2025 budget, Council has provided an additional $20,000 for the floor works, and the community is conducting fundraising events.
"These three projects are fantastic examples of community groups, Council and the State government working together to achieve great outcomes for our communities."
