16 October 2008
$5M GRANTS COMMITTEE SELECTED
From the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
Membership of a committee that will help direct $5 million into the communities along the Sugarloaf Pipeline route has been finalised.
Project Director for the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance, Mr Rod Clifford, said the 14-member committee included seven individuals taken directly from the local community who where selected from an invitational process earlier in the year. The remaining members are representatives from key organisations, including the Shire of Murrindindi, Shire of Yarra Ranges, Regional Development Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance itself.
“The $5 million Regional Benefits Grants Program has been set up in recognition of the fact that construction of major pieces of infrastructure like the pipeline can cause inconvenience and disruption to communities,” said Mr Clifford.
“In the context of this $750 million project, we believe we have a responsibility towards offsetting this construction impact to the community as a whole, as well as through individual compensation claims.
“The committee we’re announcing today will have the task of raising awareness about the grants program, then assessing applications and making recommendations about where funding should go,” he added.
Mr Clifford said community organisations located along the pipeline route would be able to apply for grants of up to $500,000 each, with a particular focus on initiatives that create long-term benefits for the region.
“Whether it’s equipment for a local sporting group or a new piece of community infrastructure, injecting this amount of money has the chance of making a real difference. It underscores the importance of having local community leaders to help decide where it goes,” he said.
“Together, the Committee provides a mix of local knowledge and experience to help achieve the best return on this investment for the region, in terms of long-term and tangible benefits for people.”
The Committee’s first meeting will be held on 20 October to draft the selection criteria that successful applications would have to meet. Calls for funding applications will occur later this year. More details on how, when and where to apply for funding will be released by the Committee shortly.
For more information, please visit the project website or contact the project info line on 1800 453 753.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
Seven representatives from the local community have been selected to serve on the 14-member Advisory Committee for the Sugarloaf Regional Benefits Grants Program. All of the community representatives live or work in close proximity to the pipeline route, have experience working with community organisations and are focused on broad community benefit.
These seven individuals represent a range of skills and experience in the areas of:
- Water resources
- Environmental stewardship
- Local industry
- Education and well-being
- Recreation
- Tourism
- Cultural Heritage
These seven individuals are jointed by representatives from the Shire of Murrindindi, Shire of Yarra Ranges, Regional Development Victoria, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance itself.
The Committee’s main objectives are:
- Implement a set of transparent selection criteria for the evaluation of funding applications;
- Act as a representative voice in evaluating and selecting projects and initiatives for funding under the Regional Benefits Grants program; and
- Provide the best possible advice on the needs of the local community.
COMMUNITY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Dr. Gavan Oakley AM (Yarra Glen): Dr. Oakley is a local wine grower and member of Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association. He has been a member of the Melbourne Water Stream Flow management Committee for Steels, Dixons and Pauls Creeks. Gavan also brings a deep understanding of the importance of water resources and a detailed knowledge of biosecurity issues in the region.
Mike Baimbridge (Yarra Glen): Mike is the local pastor in Yarra Glen whose background is in farming and working with youth and families. He brings strong ties with the local school and youth groups, and is involved in a number of local community initiatives.
Malcolm Calder, PhD (Steels Creek): Dr Calder is the former Head of the School of Botany and Deputy Dean of the University of Melbourne. Malcolm has strong ties with the local community, the environment and water resources including involvement in the Yarra Flats Billabongs, the Steels Creek Community Centre and the Yarra Glen and District Township Group.
Stephen Franzi-Ford (Pheasant Creek/KingLake): Stephen is well known in the communities of Kinglake and Yea, and has served the region for nine years as a Ward Councillor and deputy mayor for Mitchell Shire, and as Mayor of Murrindindi Shire. He is currently the CEO of School Councils in Victoria and is the Yea Schools Council President.
Doug McArthur (Glenburn): Doug brings extensive national and international management experience on projects with a strong focus on ensuring that works have minimal impact on the environment and cultural heritage. Doug has worked with Aboriginal communities in Victoria and Northern Territory. He has close and active involvement in local and community affairs, including Neighbourhood Watch, the Glenburn Progress Association and the Glenburn CFA.
Russell Wealands (Yea): Russell is an active member of numerous community projects around Yea. These include the Yea Wetlands, Yea Rotary Club, Yea and District Community Bank Campaign and assisting the Yea Business & Tourism Association. He has extensive engineering experience working in the water industry with a strong focus on river health and catchment management.
Jennifer Hutchison (Full alignment): Jennifer’s role as the CEO of the Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing Association requires her to have a deep understanding of the needs and interests of wine, food, tourism and agribusiness industries in the Yarra Valley area, and tourism corridors to Lake Eildon and Mt. Buller. Her focus is ensuring that the regional tourism industry is protected during the construction phase of the project.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846