Murrindindi Shire Council will decide recipients of the first-ever round of Business and Tourism Innovation Grants at its Ordinary Meeting next Wednesday, May 23.
The meeting will be held 6.00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 at Yea Council Chambers.
Shire CEO Craig Lloyd said the idea behind the grants was for Council to invest in the future of our communities by growing business investment and jobs in the Shire. The grants will fund projects that lead to increased employment opportunities, visitation and investment in the local economy.
“We set aside $280,000 for these grants. We received 27 applications which, together, totalled $712,888.10.”
“The Grants Evaluation Panel, comprising three skills based representatives and Council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Development Services Stuart McConnell have had a hard time short-listing applications, given the high quality of applications received. But in my view they have done a great job.
“At the Meeting, Council officers will be making recommendations to Council about who they think should receive grants in this first round. Council will consider these recommendations and then decide on how to proceed. I encourage community members to come along and see what Council decides,” Lloyd said.
Council officers recommend the following grants be awarded:
Industry and Economy Growth
- Outdoor Education Group – development of education support fund – $50,000
- Glencoe Group – purchase and implementation of equipment and system – $50,000
- Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association – power line undergrounding project – $50,000
Business Growth or Establishment
- Y Water Discovery Centre – develop on site kiosk – $20,000
- Grant Street Grocer – market and product expansion – $20,000
- Dindi Naturals – café and local produce store – $20,000
- Blow It Mulch and Mega Mulch – purchase of equipment – $15,000
Business Support
- Camp Toolangi – brochure development – $1,751.20
- Sedona Estate – Business case development – $2,000
- Temple Tents – Business planning – $1,980
- Yea Butter Factory – Business Plan – $2,000
- Yvonne Lievense – Business Plan – $2,000
- Taggerty Community Progress Group – Business Plan – $2,000
- Barkery Deluxe Dog Treats – Business Plan – $2,000
Event Kick Starter
- Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation – NAIDOC Week and Wumindjika Weekend events – $12,000
- Sport Consultants Australia – inaugural Marysville Gift – $12,000
“Don’t forget that Council’s draft budget proposes to keep these grants going … those who might miss out in this round, can apply again soon for a further round” added Lloyd.