Cardinia wins project funds

By Melissa Grant
CARDINIA’S regional pockets are the big winners in Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s community infrastructure program.
The Gazette can reveal the council’s $1.162 million package will be spent on building an auditorium in Bunyip ($400,000), upgrading Gembrook Community Centre ($332,000), enhancing Kooweerup’s retail precinct ($95,000), improving recreational facilities in Beaconsfield ($264,000) and upgrading Kooweerup Rail Trail and Park ($71,000).
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson welcomed the announcement, saying the Federal Government didn’t knock back any projects the council had selected.
Cr Pearson said work on all of the projects would begin by 1 September.
“Were really pleased because each group of the ward councillors picked their own projects and we’re really pleased that they were all approved,” he said.
“The wonderful thing from my point of view is that the Bunyip auditorium is the first major new community building in 25 years in Bunyip Ward.
“The last was the Nar Nar Goon hall.”
The $264,000 allocated for Beaconsfield recreational facilities will go towards the council’s Holm Park Road project.
The reserve will include three ovals, cricket nets, skate park, playground and netball and tennis courts.
The Kooweerup retail precinct project will enhance the town’s streetscape with plans for new seating, footpaths and rubbish bins.
Picnic shelters and a playground will be upgraded as part of the Kooweerup Rail Trail and Park project.
The federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said the Federal Government was pleased to support the Cardinia Shire Council.
“Without federal funding, projects like these would have remained in the ‘too-hard’ basket,” he said.
“The Community Infrastructure Program is aimed at stimulating local economies and helping communities respond to worsening global economic circumstances.”