Fresh bid for jetty funding
SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will make a submission to the National Stronger Regions Funding Program for a grant to restore Port Welshpool’s historic Long Jetty this month.
The Port Welshpool Long Jetty Project Control Group reconvened recently to discuss the impending submission.
Representatives from Regional Development Victoria, Gippsland Ports, Department of Transport, community representatives and council attended.
Welshpool’s Paul Macphail attended the meeting and said the group had not met for at least two years, so much was discussed.
“I was excited we actually had a meeting, particularly because it was the first time in a long time. It shows there is some interest now; it feels like the Long Jetty is back on the agenda,” he said.
Mr Macphail said the main issue discussed was the submission to round two of the National Stronger Regions Funding Program.
Also discussed was the condition of the Long Jetty and the ongoing and urgent need to reduce risk and deterioration.
“We reviewed the whole project; it was heart-warming to see it back on the table but obviously we need more money,” Mr Macphail said.
“The council wants to get organised now to give us the best shot at it.”
The application needs to be submitted by July 31 and will include additional economic data to strengthen its case.
“Council has already set aside $1 million to show their commitment and the State Government set aside $5 million two years ago,” mayor Cr Jeanette Harding said.
“What we still need is approximately $4 million from the Federal Government to make this project a reality.”
Cr Harding said she was pleased to see the continued support from the community and local representatives at State and Federal governments.
“Council still has this as a priority, as part of the suite of projects within the Corner Inlet Tourism Development Project and we will continue to lobby on behalf of the community,” she said.
Mr Macphail said it is heartening to see both state and federal politicians on board as well, “pushing it a bit”.
“McMillan MP Russell Broadbent has maintained his support and Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien has really become a good force behind the project,” he said.
Gippsland Ports is responsible for the management of the Long Jetty.
CEO Nick Murray said Gippsland Ports is was supportive of the enormous effort that has gone into seeking government funding to commence the redevelopment.
“We know the National Stronger Regions Fund is a competitive process and this project is going up against many other regionally significant projects, so we hope our next effort is enough to get us across the line,” he said.
Successful bids are expected to be announced by November.
This time: Welshpool’s Paul Macphail is excited about the renewed enthusiasm showed recently by South Gippsland Shire Council to secure funding for Port Welshpool Long Jetty.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jul 7 2015. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
