A decision on whether a community bank will proceed in Bacchus Marsh is expected to be made early next month.
Bendigo Bank community strengthening manager Jodie Giles said that while suitable shops had been scouted along the preferred location of Main Street, she could not anticipate a decision either way.
‘‘There are a few options for the site on Main Street, but a decision to proceed won’t be made until the first few weeks of June,’’ Ms Giles said.
‘‘We’ve looked at some areas near the shopping centre . . . but we’re at the pointy end of discussions.’’
Bendigo Bank will analyse a business plan for the community bank with an internal meeting set for early June.
The Weekly revealed this year that a community bank could potentially bankroll a number of big-ticket items.
Chairwoman Claire Sutherland said community banks had been a success in towns similar in size to Bacchus Marsh.
She said the Bendigo Bank-backed project could be a “key player” in funding a $1 million community contribution needed for the town’s proposed aquatic centre.
“It’s perfect timing,’’ Mrs Suther- land said.
‘‘These enterprises put money back into the community. The bank can provide up to $200,000 annually through seed grants for various community projects.”
The committee has a list of “big-ticket” items it would like to support, including a community garden and various youth projects.
Residents have warmly welcomed the bank proposal – 740 survey forms providing feedback on the plan were returned in previous months.
