The Allan Labor Government is backing the Swifts Creeks community by providing more support to develop and progress innovative projects identified through their Local Development Strategy.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced a $500,000 grant from the Forestry Transition Program for the extension of the 'Swifts Creek Future' Local Development Strategy.
The Community Development Fund grant is being provided to the East Gippsland Shire Council to support the Swifts Creek Future project for a further two years.
The funding will support the exploration of the priority areas for the town identified through the project including:
Nature-based recreation and tourism
Education and Skills Centre
Primary industry production
Independent living for local ageing residents.
The grant will be used for the employment of staff to manage the implementation of the Local Development Strategy, communications products and sourcing of additional expert advice.
Swifts Creek is one of 11 Victorian towns and communities receiving support to transition and implement new strategies in their local economy.
The Forestry Transition Program supports communities affected by the end of native timber harvesting. For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"This additional funding will further support Swifts Creek's economic diversification planning and transition to new, sustainable industries."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"I look forward to seeing these priority areas identified through the Local Development Strategy come to life in the future."
As stated by East Gippsland Shire Council CEO Fiona Weigall
"This additional funding will give the people of Swifts Creek the time and resources they needed to build on the work already underway through the Swifts Creek Future Local Development Strategy. We are committed to ensuring our communities thrive, and this funding will help Swifts Creek build on its strengths."
