Funding Kickstarts $30 Million Investment Project For Port Of SaleStage 1 of the Port of Sale Redevelopment will involve a total investment of $2.5 million By Karen Gregory - 24th October 2002 - Back to News The State Government has announced it will provide $1.9 million funding for the Port of Sale, heralding the start of a $30 million investment project by Wellington Shire Council.
Stage 1 of the Port of Sale Redevelopment will involve a total investment of $2.5 million.
The $1.9 million, announced by Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development, Hon John Brumby, MP, at the Port of Sale Civic Centre, will be joined by a $275,000 contribution from Wellington Shire Council, $200,000 from the Federal Government and a significant industry and community contribution of $65,000 from Gippsland Ports.
Wellington Mayor Malcolm Hole said that the Government funding would provide the impetus to kickstart development and instill private investor confidence in the Port of Sale.
"It sends a clear signal to the business sector that this Government is serious about regional development. This is exactly the kind of support we need as a Council if we are to encourage economic growth and investment in our Shire.
"The Port of Sale project has the potential to generate more than $30 million worth of investment in Wellington.
"That equates to:
- Jobs for our young people
- A better lifestyle for our community
- An opportunity to build a significant tourism industry, and
- Great leisure facilities for everyone
"This is the start of a new leisure playground for our City dwellers. Only two hours from Melbourne, the Port of Sale will become a centre offering fantastic lakes, mountains and ocean attractions.
"This exciting project complements the Government’s $12 million investment to rejuvenate our lakes – we have the largest waterways system in the nation and RAMSAR wetlands right here in our backyard."
Stage 1 of the redevelopment comprises:
Linking the Port Precinct to Sale’s Central Business District
Desailly Street will be turned into a court with plaza, paving, street furniture and landscaping.
A new entry statement in Foster Street will draw traffic into the port area where there’ll be more public open space, car parking and directional signage.
Improving the waterways
Works will include bank stabilisation, drainage and pollution traps.
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will improve the water flow in from the Thompson River into the top of Flooding Creek.
Providing public recreation facilities
Visitor amenities will include boardwalks, barbecues, seating, picnic areas, shelters and pathways.
Mayor Hole said Stage 1 would be a catalyst for future stages which will include private sector investment on the North Bank, East Bank and South Bank precincts.
"Getting this major redevelopment project off the ground has involved enormous effort and enthusiasm by everyone. It’s great to see it paying dividends today.
"Over past months we have also secured Regional Infrastructure Development Funding for significant projects in Port Albert, Yarram and Heyfield.
"Council, in partnership with the State Government and the private sector, is achieving great things for this Shire."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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