$700,000 for Yarriambiack to rebuild

IN a continuation of the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund, State Government has announced a roll out of a further round of funding, including more than $700,000 for Yarriambiack Shire.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the $15.4 million funding package, $2 million of which will go to projects in the region, would be shared by about 28 communities across Victoria attempting to rebuild and repair public infrastructure.
“State Government is standing by Victoria’s flood damaged communities to ensure they can get back to business and their lives as quickly as possible,” he said.
Repairs
Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh announced that Yarriambiack Shire will receive $205,700 for works to repair the ANZAC Memorial Park tennis courts, which have sunk and cracked due to storm water sitting on the courts.
“This $205,700 grant will enable major repairs to be made to the tennis courts after they were severely damaged by the floods early last year,” Mr Walsh said during a recent visit to the site.
“This is one of a number of projects throughout Yarriambiack Shire benefiting from Government’s flood recovery funding program which is aimed at restoring many of the community infrastructure sites damaged during the floods,” he said.
“Other projects to receive funding include ANZAC Memorial Park Recreation Reserve $28,438.16, Asquith Reserve on Yarriambiack Creek, $16,000, Warracknabeal Swimming Pool, $53,423 to replace the pool solar heating infrastructure and the Caravan Park, $59,636 to replace the amenities block, parking and road surfaces.”
Mr Walsh said a total of $700,151 has been received by Yarriambiack Shire Council from this latest round of flood recovery infrastructure funding.
Other projects in the region include Lake Marma Reserve in Murtoa, $265,650 to reinstate four badly damaged tennis courts, Beulah Memorial Recreation Reserve, $25,377, Brim Recreation Reserve, $37,327.55 and Jeparit Recreation Reserve, $12,471.80.
Imperative
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive officer Ray Campling said council was appreciative of State Government for the funding, which was imperative in consideration of the damage sustained.
“We look forward to seeing the funds utilised and the project coming to fruition, hopefully the works will be completed in a short period of time,” he said.
“We also congratulate Warracknabeal Tennis Club club on its initiative in following and applying for the funding.”
North West Real Estate’s John Hadley said it was fantastic to get access to these funds.
“The tennis courts represent a hub of Warracknabeal and it will be fantastic to get the facility back,” he said.
Mr Walsh said State Government was extremely pleased that it was able to continue to support community organisations in this way.
Benefit
The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty also hailed the fund, stating the “funding will benefit many communities to assist in restoration works.”
“The floods had a significant impact on communities and this funding will go a long way to getting those communities back on their feet,” he said.
“Our recreation reserves are an invaluable facility for country communities and provide a meeting place for residents and visitors alike, and the funding of these rebuilding projects will restore not only confidence, but will boost civic pride exhibited by these communities.”
“Our local recreation reserves are maintained by hardworking volunteers who give up their time to ensure these areas are in shape for their communities and I thank all these volunteers, whose tireless contributions go to the upkeep of these vital community assets.”