THE Wimmera and Grampians regions are set to receive a big boost from the Federal government's through its Building Better Regions Fund.
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Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said the Government's investment will deliver better facilities and economic opportunities for the region.
"The BBRF is an initiative that was created... for the benefit of regional Australia," Dr Webster said.
"This latest funding round takes our total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion throughout Australia across nearly 1,300 projects. In Mallee, over $37.3 million has been invested across 33 projects."
"(This) government is delivering the services and infrastructure our communities deserve," Dr Webster said.
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The Aquatic Centre in Horsham has received $331,000 in funding for accessible change rooms, whilst $33,000 in funding for St Arnaud's local pool will build much-needed pool and shade covers.
Investments will be made for the St Arnaud Mining History Discovery Trail ($33,390) and the Great Western Wine and Heritage Cycle ($212,500) Trail.
Wycheproof Saleyards have secured $142,699 in funding to ensure its sustainability, while $96,000 funding for Wimmera Development Association will allow them to deliver its Migration Pathways Project.
"These projects will provide the means to have modern and updated facilities in our region," Dr Webster said.
"I'm pleased to have worked closely with local councils and community groups to see funding secured for these projects."
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Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed the Federal government's contribution to Horsham Aquatic Centre's new accessible change rooms.
It will deliver building extensions to the indoor pool hall on the Hamilton Street side of the Aquatic Centre. Included will be two family rooms and two accessible change rooms to allow a person with a disability to access both the indoor and outdoor pools.
There will also be an undercover outdoor function space for events such as birthday parties.
"On behalf of Council I would like to thank the Federal Government for this valuable boost for our local economy," Mayor Robyn Gulline said.
"Particular thanks go to Dr Webster MP who was instrumental in getting the funding after she visited the aquatic centre and heard our case for the development.
"In conjunction with the $384,000 we have allocated in the Budget for 2021-2022, the $331,000 Federal Government allocation gives us the funding we need to see the project come to fruition," she said.
Horsham Aquatic Centre was constructed in 2007 and Cr Gulline said the new change rooms would help keep the facility modern and better meet the needs of the community.
"Contemporary leisure facilities now offer more than just a place to swim, they are a destination, a place to gather and socialise," she said.
"Facilities must be flexible to ensure capacity to offer new programs as they develop. The new family rooms, change rooms and function space will allow us to provide programs for all ages and abilities."
The project will go to tender before the end of this year and is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2022.
Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.
"We are backing these projects so local people have the facilities for the future while creating jobs to boost our economic recovery", the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"That's why we've committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million.
This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.
For a full list of successful projects, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf
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