Coast walk cash push
SURF Coast Shire will apply for almost $5.5 million of federal funding for three projects, including an extension of popular coastal nature trail the Surf Coast Walk.
The shire will make the funding application to The Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), a Federal Government initiative for regional communities to develop their local areas.
The shire resolved at its December meeting to apply for $100,000 worth of funding for the Surf Coast Walk, which would combine with a further $100,000 of council funds previously pledged to the project.
The Surf Coast Walk is a popular stretch of track reaching 44km across the shire’s coastline.
Councillor Margot Smith said she was particularly excited about the upgrade, which would see the walk extended to connect more coastal towns.
“The $200,000 would enable the development of a plan to extend the Surf Coast Walk from Fairhaven to Cumberland River near Lorne,” she said. “We would also be able to develop a plan for cyclists and walkers to both use the entire trail, and review the current management model of the Surf Coast Walk.”
The other two projects listed in the grant application are a request for $360,500 for the Yuurrock soccer project — with a new pitch and lighting — and a $5 million application for a multi-purpose indoor stadium.
The funding for the soccer pitch would allow the development of a third pitch at Banyul-Warri Fields, increasing local facilities for the growing sport.
The indoor stadium would provide for various sports including basketball and netball, while providing space for community events and concerts.
“Let’s hope both levels of government recognise the importance of these projects to our community by committing the funds needed to deliver them,” Cr Smith Said.