Local governments across northern Victoria and southern New South Wales have received funding approval through the Liberal and Nationals Government's Regional Growth Fund for foreshore redevelopments and upgrades to other public areas across the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $272.2million Regional Growth Fund provides grants of $10million or more for major transformational projects that create regional jobs and support long-term economic growth.
"In total, more than $16.8million will be provided to seven local councils across the Mallee and Farrer electorates to fund a number of initiatives as part of this project," Mr McCormack said.
"This includes funding for Gannawarra Shire to develop and enhance the Cohuna waterfront along the popular Gunbower Creek.
"This funding will also help Swan Hill Rural City Council construct a new regional art gallery and interpretive centre and Pioneer Settlement entry. The surrounding area will be enhanced through architectural designed landscaping, including the creation of a Yamagata Japanese Garden and a Bush Tucker Garden. This project will also advance the connection from the Murray River to the CBD and improve amenities along Monash Drive.
"Meanwhile, Buloke Shire Council will receive funding for upgrades to Charlton's Avoca River precinct, Donald's Richardson River Precinct and visitor amenities at Lake Tyrell.
"Loddon Shire will receive funding for the Bridgewater foreshore, the Boort Caravan Park, the Wedderburn Caravan Park and the Pyramid Hill Caravan Park."
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the funding is positive news for the region following a highly competitive assessment process that saw more than 300 applications being received from state, territory and local governments, businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
"Funding will flow to Balranald Shire to revitalise the Market Streetscape and significantly upgrade the Riverbend Recreation Reserve Park, while Murray River Council will receive funding for foreshore redevelopments at Moama and Tooleybuc and other infrastructure," Ms Ley said.
"Edward River Council will receive funding to revitalise Deniliquin's CBD through major streetscape upgrades and rejuvenate the Edward River frontage near the town centre, better connecting the river bank with the CBD. This work will complement the three Deniliquin projects announced last December through our Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program."
Ms Ley also congratulated local councils working together to achieve the funding, something the Balranald, Edward River and Murray River Councils have also successfully done through the latest round of the Government's Building Better Regions Fund—obtaining funding for a series of ‘Connect2Business’ workshops over the next 12 months.
The Nationals Candidate for Mallee Anne Webster said these projects will help to foster stronger regional communities and ensure the nation's prosperity continues into the future.
"Securing great community projects such as these is a huge part of what makes me want to begin a career in politics. They have real potential to generate jobs and economic growth in regional communities across Australia, including Mallee," Dr Webster said.
Liberal Candidate for Mallee Serge Petrovich said each and every one of these projects will have major flow on benefits to the local economy.
"Successful applications for grants under the Regional Growth Fund focus on building on existing strengths, re-invigorating industries and tapping into a region's tourism potential. The Regional Growth Fund will be a significant source of much needed investment in our regions," Mr Petrovich said.
Funding provided under the Regional Growth Fund is part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's $3.7billion commitment to regional development programs.
Information on the Fund and further funding announcements are available at: http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/regional-growth-fund.aspx.
