The Brumby Government is supporting the upgrade of a local community hall in Lavers Hill, with a $60,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP.
Ms Tierney said an upgrade to the Lavers Hill Hall would provide essential community infrastructure for the town and enhance its liveability.
“The Lavers Hill Hall plays an important role for the local community, especially in terms of education and training for the local Country Fire Authority (CFA) and State Emergency Services (SES),” Ms Tierney said.
“The current hall has very basic facilities and considering the 2009-2010 fire season, Lavers Hill is one of 52 towns that are particularly vulnerable to possible bushfires, an upgrade is beneficial for possible emergency relief,” Ms Tierney said.
The Lavers Hill Hall Committee is providing $5,000 with Colac Otway Shire also contributing $15,000 to an overall fund of $80,000.
Included in the upgrade will be a new commercial kitchen, insulation and renovations to the existing structure.
The improved facility is also expected to benefit many groups from the Colac Otway region including the Colac Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, Otway Hinterland Events and Otway Community Health.
Ms Tierney said the improved hall will strengthen and unite the local population and contribute to the economic development of the Colac Otway Shire.
“This project typifies initiatives supported by the Small Towns Development Fund, which are making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“So far, the fund has provided $51.3 million toward 488 community and social infrastructure projects worth more than $106 million right across provincial Victoria.”