Dozen share in slush fund

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 28 Jan 09

PM’s $620,000 gift to help deliver projects

Written by SALLY EVANS.

A $620,000 slush fund provided by the Federal Government will be divided between 12 community projects across the Rural City of Wangaratta.

At a meeting in Wangaratta last night, council voted to spend the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program funding on playgrounds, walkways, town halls and sporting grounds.

A further $3.1 million has been sought from the Federal Government to fund further work on the Ovens Riverside Precinct.

The meeting heard that a list of 30 projects with a combined value of $1.9 million was put forward for the civic projects grant aimed at stimulating the economy.

The list was assessed on community benefit, opportunity to source funding from other sources, prior council investment and whether the work could be completed by the due date of September 30.

Councillor Lauren O’Neill said the final list would boost both rural and urban communities, with major handouts including $120,000 for South Wangaratta Recreation Reserve improvements, $76,000 for the Whitfield Recreation Reserve Pavilion and $65,000 toward the footpath adjacent to St Bernard’s Primary School.

"We had a tough decision, but I think we have balanced it quite well," she said.

The decision pleased Mark Williams from the Wangaratta City Football Club, who said sporting groups had worked for some time to secure funding to upgrade the South Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.

"The soccer club is growing constantly and the area certainly needs improvement," he said.

Additional funds sought for the Ovens Riverside Precinct would provide for stabilisation of the Ovens River embankment and the creation of a riverside promenade.

It would also go towards the development of the town square and car parking in Faithfull Street, and an upgrade to the Ovens Street footbridge.

Projects identified for funding: • South Wangaratta Recreation Reserve - $120,000; • Whitfield Recreation Reserve Pavilion - $76,000; • footpath adjacent St Bernard’s Primary School - $65,000; • rural playgrounds - $60,000; • rail trail user facility - $60,000; • Carboor Hall amenities upgrade - $50,000; • Merriwa Park playground upgrade - $50,000; • urban playgrounds - $40,000; • Swan Street bridge footway - $40,000; • Milawa Hall roof - $40,000; • Moyhu Recreation Reserve water - $12,000; and • Oxley Hall air conditioning - $7000.