Funding boost for tourism projects

Four projects in Baw Baw Shire - at Walhalla, Warragul, Yarragon and Neerim South - have received state government funding amounting to more than $77,000.

Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing said the grants from the Living Local Fund were among 400 projects funded state wide at a total of $20 million with one-quarter of the amount going to regions.

Baw Baw Shire Council will receive almost $28,500 to install interactive digital tourism and community information kiosks at Neerim South and Yarragon.

The kiosks will provide an innovative means to engage new community members. The project also will serve as a pilot to assess the viability of installing others across the shire.

Two Warragul community organisations will benefit by a total of almost $39,000.

Scope will receive funding for its "Revitalise our Spaces " project to buy equipment and technology to better support its clients.

Included are a ceiling hoist for those using wheelchairs and computers and other technology to increase learning and research opportunities.

Warragul RSL will use its $19,913 grant to replace ageing and unsuitable chairs and tables at its clubrooms.

The Walhalla Goldfields Railway also was successful in securing a grant of more than $9600 to buy point of sale (POS) technology that will enable it to expand the range of stock it offers visitors, for new floor covering in the station building and to install air conditioning in the volunteer crew room.

Ms Shing said it was great to see so many new projects on the way that will help regional areas.