Communities in Victoria's bushfire-affected high country have received funding grants from the state government for much-needed recovery.
The funding injections ranging between $75,000 and $900,000 will go towards upgrading facilities such as the Omeo Rodeo Association's arena lighting and amenities and nature upgrades to Omeo's 25-hectare Livingstone Park, which were impacted by devastating bushfires a year ago.
The government has fielded funding ideas from communities for their renewal and long-term economic health, with the latest recipients announced on New Year's Day.
Projects funding in East Gippsland include:
- $924,960 to revitalise Livingstone Park, the 25-hectare centrepiece of Omeo
- $426,048 to establish a multi-purpose community facility at Tambo Crossing
- $341,600 for Omeo Rodeo facilities, including new arena lighting and new family-friendly amenities
- $184,617 to rebuild tennis courts at the Genoa Sports Club
- $140,000 to the Children With Additional Needs Working Group to support recovery and resilience building
- $118,127 for Buchan, Gelantipy and District Renewal Association to upgrade Wulgulmerang Sports Ground, Gelantipy Hall, Buchan Recreation Reserve and Buchan Hall
- $115,000 to upgrade Marlo's Triangle Park and playground
- $114,688 to upgrade the Swan Reach netball court surface and install new floodlights
- $75,000 to upgrade the Nowa Nowa boat ramp and jetty
Projects funded in Victoria's North East include:
- $800,000 to support Upper Murray Inc's plan to protect communities against power outages and reduce running costs by installing energy nodes
- $544,645 to refurbish the Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall and provide better access
- $473,838 to upgrade the Walwa Services Memorial Hall and enable to function as a refuge during emergencies
- $387,384 to upgrade courts at the Corryong Tennis Club
- $295,860 to upgrade Kergunyah Hall, the only community space in the Kergunyah and surrounds
- $189,000 to improve the Possum loop track and Dargo lookout trail within the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort
Two further rounds of local community grants of up to $2 million will open in 2021.
There is support available to prospective applicants needing assistance with the grant application process.
