The City of Greater Bendigo's proposed 2022/2023 Budget will fund various projects in rural areas and small communities across the municipality.
Projects in rural areas include a $1.5M sealed road renewal at Axedale-Kimbolton Road, north and south of Doaks Road, and funding is allocated for a sealed road program at Avonmore-Mayreef Road in Avonmore.
Heathcote will see $50,000 allocated to progress the design for an Integrated Precinct to create a vibrant and multi-purpose community hub. The entry to Heathcote Visitor Centre will also be upgraded and Indigenous story boards for the township have been funded.
In Marong, the Marong Kindergarten and community hub will see funding allocated to create a 66-place kindergarten for a growing community (with funding support from the City and State Government).
Huntly is in line for $50,000 in funding for strategic scoping work on a Huntly Town Square concept design, a shade structure renewal for Huntly Preschool and funds for maintenance of the Huntly Public Hall. The pedestrian timber bridge on Midland Highway near Huntly Lions Park will also be replaced with new concrete culverts.
To support growth infrastructure in Huntly, $150,000 in funding is earmarked for the Waratah Road intersection. Various playgrounds in Huntly will have small renewal works.
Kamarooka Public Hall will see funding for an upgrade and work will begin on a new Kamarooka monument project, which covers design and installation.
Axedale tennis court is in line for a total of $600,000 for two new tennis courts and a shed shelter. Axedale Public Hall and preschool amenities will receive design funding for internal amenities.
The O'Keefe Rail Trail will receive a $255,000 investment in a new car park and public toilet at Longlea, while the Elmore Swimming Pool shade sail will be renewed.
Maiden Gully Recreation Reserve will receive funding to progress design for field lighting.
To further progress the Marist College Joint Use Facilities Agreement, funding has been earmarked to design cricket nets in preparation for the construction of future training nets to support sports participation in Maiden Gully.
As part of the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework, design for the 'Green Spine' project will progress for vegetated open public space between Wellesley Street and Apsley Lane.
There will be $950,000 from the City and project partners towards stage 2 of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub in Club Court to upgrade the Strathfieldsaye Sports Club clubrooms as a facility for everyone, while Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve at Warne Court will have a turf renewal.
As part of a $7M multi-year City investment, funding for the next stage of the Mercy Junortoun Joint Use Sports Precinct development at Catherine McAuley College will receive $1.5M in 2022/2023. This facility will be shared by the College and the local community and will include two sports ovals with synthetic cricket pitches, two outdoor netball courts, car parking and a multipurpose community building.
Rural areas will also benefit from $3.2M in gravel road re-sheeting, which will occur across the municipality.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the proposed Budget included important projects and services for rural areas and small towns.
"As in previous years, we continue to allocate funding towards priority projects in smaller towns and the community was invited to make submissions last December so we could consider these early in the proposed Budget planning process," Cr Metcalf said.
"In determining our annual Budget, we must balance various priorities which include recreation facilities, essential infrastructure like roads and footpaths and renewal of City buildings and assets, as well as new community priorities."
The proposed Budget is now available for public written comments until 5pm, Monday May 16.
To view the proposed Budget, visit: https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/2022-2023-budget
