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Funding announced: Things taking shape for Bass CoastKey projects identified in Help Shape a Better Bass Coast community engagement for the Bass Coast Shire Council Plan 2017-2021 have successfully received State Government funding to the value of $33.3 million. By Portal Admin - 30th October 2017 - Back to News In partnership with the community, Council’s continued focus on advocating for our community has resulted in major funding being announced for Bass Coast.
At a Ministerial visit to Wonthaggi Secondary College on Friday, 27 October, Premier of Victoria, The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP, announced $25 million of funding towards the construction of the new Wonthaggi Secondary College campus and education precinct, and $6 million towards the Wonthaggi Regional Highball Stadium.
In its Annual Budget 2017/2018, Council included the provision of a $1.5million contribution to the Wonthaggi Shared Highball Facility. A provision it will now be able to commit to the project, to see the facility come into fruition. The New Senior Campus and Wonthaggi Highball Stadium form Stage One of the Wonthaggi Education Precinct project.
In addition to the Premier’s multi-million dollar announcement at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP announced a further $2.3 million shortly after at the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club. This funding will be boosted by a $600,000 contribution from Council and $500,000 from the Club, allowing a complete refurbishment of the Surf Lifesaving Club building.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield explains the announcements follow years of lobbying from the community, Wonthaggi Secondary College, Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club and Council.
"It is difficult to describe my current mix of pride, relief and excitement," Cr Rothfield said.
"Today’s announcement is the result of a solid team effort which involved persistent advocacy from Council, relentless petitioning and support from the community, and the dedication and passion of several key individuals.
"This is the perfect example of what we can achieve when working together towards a shared goal."
The Wonthaggi Secondary College new Senior Campus and Wonthaggi Regional Highball Stadium were projects which featured heavily through the community taking shape for bass coast.docx Media Release page 2 of 2 engagement process in the development of this year’s Council Plan 2017 – 2021.
Consequently, these projects are at the forefront of the Council’s priority list and are included as key projects in phase one of Council’s Advocacy Strategy.
The current nature of the Wonthaggi Secondary College senior campus has long been substandard. The provision of a quality education precinct in Wonthaggi has been a key priority of Council and our community. Wonthaggi needs quality education facilities in order to fulfil its function as a regional centre.
Bass Coast Shire Council have been advocating to the State Government on the necessity to begin Stage One of the Wonthaggi Education Precinct. This included a recent state government submission which outlined that the Education Precinct Project was shovel ready, with Crown Land allocated and a Masterplan prepared, and highlighted the need for the $25 million investment towards the new campus.
"We have been ready to begin this project for some time and I am thrilled that we are now able to start turning the soil and putting into action the plans and preparations for the Wonthaggi Education Precinct, a project which will truly change the shape of Bass Coast’s future.
"Council has been very vocal in its commitment to help shape a better Bass Coast. What better way to start than having a new school to help shape our children’s future."
For more information contact:
Nina Barry-Macaulay
communications officer
t (03) 5671 2163 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 698 089
e nina.barry-macaulay@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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