1 July 2010
More Sugarloaf Community Projects Underway in Murrindindi
A total of seven projects in Murrindindi are complete and four more are already underway as part of the Sugarloaf Regional Benefits Program.
In the Murrindindi area, 21 community-based projects totalling $2.8 million dollars are being supported by the grants, out of a total 31 projects along the Sugarloaf Pipeline alignment.
The Yea Business and Tourism Association, Yea Let’s Skate!, and Yea Pre-school have already completed their projects, only six months since receiving their slice of the $5 million Regional Benefits grants.
Valerie McDonell, Director Yea Pre-School, said their $5,000 grant was put towards a parenting course and a parenting library for the town.
"The new library serves as a meeting place for many new parents, and will provide important parenting education, guidance and support for local mums and dads, at the present time, and for many years to come," said Mrs McDonell.
The grant also covered new resources including puppets, CDs and activities that parents and their children can use together.
The four Regional Benefits projects that are currently being delivered are:
- Renovations, upgrades and equipment for the Yea Football Netball Club ($250,000)
- Refurbishing the Homewood Community Hall ($40,000)
- Upgrades to the watering system at the Yea Racecourse Recreation Reserve ($39,000)
- Restoration works to reserves along the Yea River for the Yea River Catchment Landcare Group ($112,000)
Other recipients who shared in the grants included sporting clubs, councils and historical societies, as well as local community, environmental and recreational groups.
Melbourne Water Project Director, Rod Clifford, said that it was great to see the funds from the Sugarloaf Pipeline Regional Benefits program making a difference to the district.
"We’re really pleased to see everyone working together to improve local assets that will strengthen communities in the area," said Mr Clifford.
"Melbourne Water is working with groups to get the remaining agreements finalised so all of the projects can be finished as soon as possible."
Almost $1 million of the $5 million Regional Benefits grants has been spent so far by community groups along the 70 kilometre Sugarloaf Pipeline alignment, in the Yarra Ranges and Murrindindi areas.
The seven projects that have already been completed are:
- Yea Let’s Skate! ($300,000)
- Yea High School ($128,150)
- Yea Business and Tourism Association ($15,000)
- Yea & District Community Bank Steering Committee ($10,000)
- Permaculture Kinglake Ranges ($9,000)
- Yea Pre School Inc ($5,000)
- Australian Platypus Conservancy Inc ($2,400)
The Sugarloaf Regional Benefits Program was established by Melbourne Water in 2009 to assist communities inconvenienced by the construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline and to leave a positive legacy.
Media Contact: Anushia Sivanesan +613 9235 7152 +61 (0)432 795 337