Two local initiatives that build on ongoing Nillumbik Shire Council projects are among those to receive a State Government Pick My Project grant.
The winning community projects are:
- Eltham North Adventure Playground Community Landscaping Project
- Upgrading a narrow part of the Diamond Creek Trail, and
- Plenty Gorge Park mountain bike trail program
These three projects are among 237 to share in $30.2 million of community grants funding to be divided between the six metropolitan and nine Victorian-wide areas.
More than 285,000 votes were cast by over 95,000 Victorians in choosing the finalists.
Mayor Peter Clarke said any grants that supported Council’s long-held aim to make Nillumbik the most liveable Shire in Australia were welcome.
He paid tribute to the winners, as well as those who put in applications, and said it reflected an engaged and connected community.
The Eltham North Adventure Playground rebuild is due to be completed before Christmas and the $170,000 grant will complement Council’s playground enhancements and precinct.
“We look forward to working with them in delivering additional landscaping to the playground. It’s wonderful the State Government recognised the significance of the project,” Cr Clarke said.
Upgrading a narrow part of the Diamond Creek Trail, a piece of the path that will eventually link in to the missing 8km link of the Diamond Creek to Hurstbridge Trail, is also a win for the community.
Completing the trail and improving trail networks throughout the Shire is one of Council’s highest priorities.
Special Committees of Council portfolio Cr Jon Dumaresq said the project would enhance the trail, which when completed, would boost tourism, business and recreation in the Shire and make the trail a regional destination.
The Plenty Gorge Park mountain bike trail will deliver 21km of trail when completed.
“This project, combined with the Diamond Creek Trail and our other bike trails will certainly go a long way in promoting exercise and fitness levels and an added appreciation of our unique environment,” Cr Dumaresq said.
