The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today announced Mallacoota would receive another $725,000 to build new community clubrooms at the town’s recreation reserve.
Mr Chester said the million dollar plan to redevelop recreation facilities could now go ahead, following the announcement of $250,000 from the Federal Government for the redevelopment of the reserve already announced during last year’s election campaign.
“I am excited to announce the Mallacoota Community Clubrooms Project has secured $725,000 from the Coalition’s Building Better Regions Fund to make this much-needed project a reality,” Mr Chester said.
“Since they received funding last year for stage one, the community has been working hard to source additional funding to complete the project, which will include new clubrooms, kitchen, toilets and other amenities.
“These new clubrooms will be an important community and social hub for the whole town.”
Mr Chester said the facilities would be well-used by locals, but also accommodate thousands of visitors to the region who hold up the local tourism industry.
“This is a great win for the Mallacoota and district community which has worked hard to develop plans and put forward a project that will deliver long term benefits for locals and visitors alike.”
Paul Preston, from the Mallacoota Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, was delighted with today’s announcement.
He said work could begin within six months, with a completion date in mid-2018.
“The clubrooms will be centrally located and support a range of community events and activities,” Mr Preston said.
“The clubrooms will be a major asset for our town. The large indoor spaces will be a focal point for community activities and will also provide accommodation and meals functionality during emergencies.”
The Building Better Regions Fund has delivered funding for another successful East Gippsland group today.
Gippsland Lakes Community Health will receive $500,000 to undertake a $1 million capital works project at its premises in McCulloch Street, Bairnsdale, to expand services to meet growing demand.
The expansion will see Gippsland Lakes Community Health employ another 55 staff in medical and health fields; as well as creating 20 new jobs during the construction phase.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said The Nationals created the Building Better Regions Fund to help build strong communities for decades to come.
“I aim to help build the kinds of regional communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and projects like this one do exactly that,” Minister Nash said.
Minister Nash said she expected to open another round of BBRF before the end of the year.
Minister Nash will announce the successful applicants for funding under the BBRF’s Community Investments Stream – for projects designed to support a range of local capability-building activities – in the coming months.
More information is available at www.business.gov.au/bbrf.
