The City of Greater Bendigo is the only central Victorian council to miss out on funding in the latest round of the state government's Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Gannawarra and Buloke council's will share in more than $1.5 million from the government's $16 million allocation.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes announced 35 projects in regional and rural communities would share in the funding.
"Regional Victoria is critical to supporting our state's recovery from the impacts of coronavirus and we're backing projects in our regions that will drive jobs and growth," Ms Symes said.
Shadow minister for regional development Peter Walsh says there's always winners and losers with Premier Daniel Andrews.
"While Labor puts billions into metropolitan road and rail projects, regional Victoria is handed the scraps," Mr Walsh said.
Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Gannawarra and Buloke council's will each receive between $390,000 to $500,000 from the state government.
The City of Greater Bendigo's last successful project funded by the grant was last year, when $416,800 was allocated to the Bendigo Tramways Development.
"Given the $130 million cut to Regional Development Victoria's infrastructure funding, plus the failure to renew the Regional Growth Fund, this will only get worse for our regional communities under Labor," Mr Walsh said.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery in Maryborough will receive $500,000 as part of a revitalisation project.
Central Goldfields' chief administration Noel Harvey said the council is pleased to receive funding for the project.
"This refurbishment will open up many opportunities to present a greater variety of art exhibitions and contemporary gallery facilities for the community and wider region," Mr Harvey said.
Mount Alexander council will direct its funds toward six small town streetscape projects.
$500,000 has been allocated to the project, with streetscape designs developed for six townships in the area.
The project will see the construction of the streetscape plans in Campbells Creek, Taradale and Elphinstone.
They are expected to provide street beautification and create town centres to improve economic activity and community connections.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the streetscape plan for Campbells Creek is an important part of investing in smaller communities.
Those sentiments were shared by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas.
"Although we may not be able to enjoy our community spaces much at the moment, it's critical we look after them now and in the future," Ms Thomas said.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
