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Community Self Help Provided The SolutionsWhile State Government funding and support from the Council was vital to the ‘post fire’ period in and around Omeo, it was the willingness of the community to help itself that was most important. By East Gippsland Shire Council - 16th September 2004 - Back to News This is the view of East Gippsland Shire’s Mayor, Harvey Bates who was commenting on the recent visit to the region by the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby.
Cr Bates said that while it was only proper that government and council assistance was provided to the region after such a traumatic experience, the community itself had been inspiring.
"We have also been particularly impressed by the attitude of local businesses," Cr Bates said.
"Many local contractors had a great deal of work on their hands after the fires but still managed to make time available to work on community projects.
"Contractors and suppliers also chose to extend price concessions to various projects.
"In real terms this significantly increased the value of grants and made the dollars stretch much further," he said.
During the Minister’s recent visit, he opened the Livingstone Creek Park where works included the construction of a pedestrian bridge that provides a link the shopping centre as well as the installation of recreation tables and seating, a barbeque, signs, lighting, landscaping and a car park.
A shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists as well as the re-location and restoration of an historic building in the Omeo Cemetery were other projects opened by the Minister.
Cr Bates said that while the funding was vital to these projects and others in Swifts Creek, Benambra, Glen Valley, Tubbut and Wulgumerang, it was the attitude of the communities that was most inspiring.
"These people and their local businesses were not going to be beaten by the trauma of the fires, but most important they were going to play a vital part in restoring their townships.
"The whole of East Gippsland salutes their efforts and praises them for their energy and dedication."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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