Community-led placemaking projects will be delivered in Darnum, Labertouche, Noojee and Willow Grove following Council's endorsement of its second annual Placemaking Program.
The Placemaking Program grants $200,000 annually ($50,000 in each town) to smaller rural communities to deliver projects that are at the top of the community's wish list.
Following extensive consultation with each local community, the following projects will take place:
- Darnum: Expansion of playground equipment at the Darnum Memorial Hall.
- Labertouche: Top dressing of the oval playing surface and installation of multi-use goal posts at the Labertouche and District Community Centre.
- Noojee: Construction of new outdoor gym equipment (at a location to be determined in further consultation with the Noojee community) and installation of new tables and seating along local trails and walks.
- Willow Grove: Upgrades to the playground at the Willow Grove Recreation Reserve.
At each of the four towns, two meetings were held in early 2020 to discuss potential project ideas and form a shortlist of projects. Surveys were distributed to all residents of each town to determine the most popular projects as decided by the community.
The final projects are the direct result of consultation and collaboration with the goal to improve liveability, contribute to health, happiness and wellbeing, and visitor attraction to the towns.
Council will remain in close consultation with each community throughout the delivery phase of each project.
Each project will be funded through Council's 2019/20 Capital Works Program.
The previous round of the Placemaking Program saw projects delivered in Athlone, Erica, Thorpdale and Jindivick. Projects included street beautification works, a new playground and upgrades to recreation reserve infrastructure.
As stated by Mayor Cr Danny Goss
"It's fantastic to see four new community-led projects endorsed for delivery. Each project will undoubtedly improve liveability, happiness and wellbeing for each respective community. We thank each community for being so collaborative and engaged throughout the consultation process. As a Council we're proud to deliver these community-led projects in all corners of our Shire."
