Residents, businesses and community organisations in 14 towns in Moyne Shire are encouraged to get involved in helping to make their communities even better places to live in a new planning project, made possible with a grant from the Brumby Labor Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced a Victorian Community Support Grant of $325,000 to Moyne Shire Council for the Moyne Shire Small Towns Community Planning Project.
“The Brumby Labor Government is pleased to support communities to take control of how they’d like their future towns to grow through the development of local action plans,” Ms Tierney said.
“The 14 towns that will take part in this project are all very different, with different needs and priorities, but all face the opportunities presented by significant energy based projects.
Ms Tierney said the $325,000 Victorian Community Support Grant will provide the resources and expertise required to support communities to have their say on the future of their town.
“This project will provide local people with a living document that details their needs, captures their aspirations and provides a clear structure for their future growth and development as well as the means to deliver real solutions to local problems,” she said.
The 14 towns taking part in the project are Caramut, Garvoc, Hawkesdale, Koroit, Macarthur, Mortlake, Nullawarre, Orford, Panmure, Peterborough, Port Fairy, Purnim, Woolsthorpe and Yambuk.
Moyne Shire Council will use the grant to employ a Community Development Officer and facilitator to help the towns to develop and implement their plans, and is also contributing $162,000 to the project.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said Victorian Community Support Grants were available from the Community Support Fund to deliver projects with the best long-term results for local people.
“We expect the action plans will deliver improved local infrastructure and potentially new employment opportunities, as well as offer a chance for people to get involved in decision-making,” Mr Batchelor said.
“In addition, involvement in the project will help local people gain confidence with new leadership and networking skills, while improving connections within the community.”
“The Moyne Shire Small Towns Community Planning Project will give local people a strong voice, and the skills to create a strong, resilient and connected community.”
Since 2004, the Victorian Community Support Grants program has supported more than 500 projects – worth almost $83 million – to bring an array of community-based projects to life.