Stimulus funding supports tourism & recreation

IT is not definite until Council confirms the decisions with a vote at its meeting on Wednesday July 28.

However at this stage it looks likely that Foster North lookout and Sagasser Park at Toora will significantly benefit from another round of economic stimulus funding from the Federal Government.

South Gippsland Shire has received a further $263,000 through the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program and plans to use it for four projects with tourism and recreation benefits.

In chilly conditions last Friday, Council’s Director Infrastructure Anthony Seabrook met at Foster North lookout with Coastal Promontory Ward Cr Mohya Davies, Foster Community Association President Larry Giddy and lookout improvement advocate Bill Davies.

Looking at an approximate budget of $80,000, they discussed the possibility of constructing an elevated lookout gazebo to maximise the enjoyment of extensive views across Corner Inlet, a tourism information board and new picnic settings at the site.

“The information would include direction to services, attractions, businesses and toilets in Foster, and would also disperse people to sites across Corner Inlet,” Cr Davies explained.

Mr. Seabrook said that Sagasser Park would also hopefully benefit from approximately $80,000 worth of expenditure in implementation of improvements detailed in the Toora Railway Reserve Parkland Development Management Plan 2006.

“Depending on design and consultation, we are looking at construction of a retardation basin/wetlands in the area south of the Mill Street intersection, a connecting pedestrian path to the recreation area, and infrastructure where the Great Southern Rail Trail connects with the park,” he said.

The other two projects Council is considering as its top four priorities for the stimulus funding are improvements at Korumburra Recreation Reserve and at the entrance building of Coal Creek Community Park.

Members of the public or community organisations that wish to encourage Council towards specific decisions regarding the economic stimulus funds can take advantage of the open consultation and briefing session starting at 2.00pm on Wednesday July 21.

Under the new trial process, Council will accept submissions and presentations about its agenda topics or general topics on the third Wednesday of the month, which is a week before the Council meeting.

These sessions are intended to be fairly informal with the ability for conversation between Councillors and speakers about their presentations.

During the trial, which lasts until December, presentations and submissions will not be accepted at the meeting itself.

Comments are closed.