Country town's grass roots projects supported
Friday, 08 July 2011
Nine Victorian communities will each receive more than $800,000 to fund grassroots projects that create new prosperity, job opportunities and a better quality of life, courtesy of the Victorian Government's Advancing Country Towns program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan visited Fish Creek today to launch the $9.4 million program which assists communities that may have experienced disadvantage but offer strong opportunities for growth and prosperity.
"Small regional towns across Victoria are experiencing changes to their population, economy and industries due to a variety of reasons," Mr Ryan said.
"We understand local people know the key issues in their communities but often don't have the appropriate community resources to make a difference in their lives.
"Through Advancing Country Towns, the Coalition Government will ensure money is available for grassroots projects that lead to improved social and economic outcomes on the ground."
The nine communities include Benalla, Colac, Lakes Entrance and Robinvale and cluster communities centered on Alexandra, Clunes, Heywood, Mallee Track and Meeniyan.
"For Benalla, Colac, Lakes Entrance and Robinvale grants of $810,000 each have been provided to a local funds holder," Mr Ryan said
"$890,000 has been provided to funds holders at Alexandra, Clunes, Heywood, Mallee Track and Meeniyan, the additional funding being allocated to cover expenses associated with the challenge of reaching small towns spread over a large area."
Mr Ryan said local project managers would be employed in each community over the coming weeks and would be responsible for developing partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and government agencies to deliver tangible local outcomes.
"The program will fund each town to develop its own local innovative solutions and pilot these to achieve beneficial local outcomes," Mr Ryan said.
"Locals are the best people to identify the needs of their communities and this program supports that local input.
"For example, the Meeniyan cluster will look at projects that focus on economic development, employment, skills and training and sustainable energy use," Mr Ryan said.
