Eddie Russell
Moorabool Shire Council has missed out on money from the federal government’s ‘Growing Regions Fund’ for two major projects.
Bacchus Marsh was deemed ineligible to receive the grant due to its reclassification as urban.
The council lamented the missed opportunity, writing on Facebook ‘With Bacchus Marsh reclassified as an urban area for federal funding, unfortunately our indoor pool project was ineligible for this funding stream’.
However, mayor Ally Munari said the council vowed to bounce back and go through alternative avenues to secure the necessary funds.
“We’ll look to apply for a grant under the Thriving Suburbs Fund for the indoor pool project in Taverner Street, Bacchus Marsh,” she said.
She noted the desire of residents to have an indoor pool.
“The community has been wanting this funded for many years.”
Cr Moira Berry, who is vice-chair of the Peri Urban Councils Victoria, will lead the advocacy campaign for the pool project.
Mayor Munari said the pool would not be possible to construct without Canberra’s help.
“Council and the Victorian government have contributed significantly, and we need $20 million from the federal government,” she said.
Moorabool Shire Council was also unsuccessful in gaining money for an outdoor plaza and courtyard seating component of the library and community hub project in Ballan.
Mayor Munari said the result was bittersweet.
“We’re very disappointed to have missed out on funding for the plaza component of the Ballan library and hub project but are excited to start construction of the main part of this project soon,” she said.
Construction of the Ballan Library and Community Hub is planned for mid 2024 and is expected to finish halfway through next year.
