Rural infrastructure boon
Published on 04 January 2023
Rural communities in the Benalla region will benefit from a $482,462 infrastructure upgrade thanks to Australian Government funding secured by Benalla Rural City Council.
In April 2022 a call went out for applications for funding under the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, with grants made available to rural townships outside of Benalla.
Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said a total of 16 applications for funding were received by Council, and all were successful in securing funding.
“Having received such strong interest in the grants we decided to support all 16 and Council put forward a strong case for why all of these should be funded,” Cr Hearn said.
“We are really pleased that all 16 applications for funding were approved, meaning many of our rural communities will benefit from infrastructure improvements in 2023.
“This is a massive win for our rural communities and the various clubs, groups and committees that were successful.
“On behalf of these communities and my fellow Councillors I’d like to thank the Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, for her advocacy, this money will go a long way to benefit our rural residents.”
Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines said she was pleased with the funding announcement.
“I am absolutely delighted with this outcome and I congratulate the Benalla Rural City on such a successful grant.
“In my meetings with the Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, I was very pleased to advocate for these important rural community projects.
“I am grateful to the Minister for her support.
“These grants are critical for our local councils, particularly following some very tough years of bushfires, flood and COVID-19.”
The below projects are jointly funded by the Australian Government and Goorambat Football & Netball Club, Swanpool Memorial Hall, Baddaginnie Jubilee Hall, Molyullah Hall, Devenish Hall, Lima South Hall, Boweya Community Centre, and Moorngag Hall. Australian Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.
Projects funded under the program include:
▪ $50,000 for the Swanpool Memorial Hall Carpark Upgrade
▪ $50,000 for Baddaginnie Jubilee Hall Improvements
▪ $50,000 for Molyullah Undercover Community Connections
▪ $50,000 for Thoona Memorial Hall Outside Decking Project
▪ $47,167 to construct a Children’s Playground at Molyullah Hall and Recreation Reserve
▪ $46,130 for the Tatong Community Revitalisation Project
▪ $45,420 to renovate the Swanpool Bowling Club
▪ $40,000 for the Goorambat Football Netball Club Septic System Upgrade
▪ $30,000 for an Accessible Toilet at Devenish Unisex
▪ $21,000 Swanpool Albert Heaney Reserve Upgrade
▪ $12,000 to paint the interior of the Warrenbayne Community Hall
▪ $10,815 to paint the interior of the Old Lurg School
▪ $8,530 for Boweya Community Centre Water Capacity Upgrade
▪ $8,500 for the Swanpool Shelter Upgrade
▪ $7,700 for Moorngag Hall Fence Replacement
▪ $5,200 for Energy Efficient Air Conditioning at Lima South Community Hall.
Government funding of $482,462 was provided through the Local Roads and Community