The townships of Forrest and Birregurra will receive a $40,000 Victorian Government grant to prepare a Master Plan to support growth in the region, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today.
The development of the Master Plan will ensure that public infrastructure will be planned in a strategic and structured manner to assist and support the planned economic development of the townships.
“The Master Plan for future construction and tourist attractions is necessary to foster future growth of these two small towns which will provide more jobs in the region,” Ms Tierney said.
The plan will take into consideration the growing popularity of the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails and the Birregurra township as a popular tree change destination.
Already highlighted for the plan are the upgrades to the main road streetscapes and adjoining linkages which will cater for the increase in visitors and new residents.
“The Master Plan for Forrest and Birregurra will encourage investor confidence in these townships, as well as support communities facing significant change.
“It will respond to the specific needs of these communities and will provide long term and ongoing benefits to the region,” Ms Tierney said.
The Colac Otway Shire Council is also currently developing structure plans for both townships which will outline future land use availability and requirements.
The structure plans will provide further direction for the Forrest and Birregurra Master Plans.
The Colac Otway Shire Council will also invest $40,000 into the project which is expected to commence in December 2010.
The council will consult with residents to ensure that planned developments will meet the requirements of the community.
Ms Tierney said the $40,000 Victorian Government contribution was part of the $5.5 million Planning for Tomorrow program which supports councils to undertake land use and structure planning to manage growth across towns and landscapes.
“The Planning for Tomorrow program is part of the Victorian Government’s $631 million Ready for Tomorrow regional blueprint which seeks to drive a new era of prosperity and opportunity in regional Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.