Yarra Ranges makes short list for Regional Growth Fund

Yarra Ranges Council has been shortlisted from more than 300 applications across Australia for a share in the $270 million Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Council applied to the RGF earlier this year for several projects under the River to Ridges banner – including the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Stage 1, Yarra Valley Trail Stage 1, RidgeWalk and Warburton Recreation Precinct.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Len Cox, said he welcomed the news that Council’s application has been shortlisted along with 15 other applications from around Australia.

“When these projects are finished, residents will have many new opportunities to get out and explore their own backyard and visitors will have even more world-class destinations to see in the Yarra Ranges,” Cr Cox said.

“Cyclists will be able to ride from Lilydale to Healesville, via Yarra Glen, before connecting up to the Warburton Trail – once arriving in Warburton, they can hop on a mountain bike and take on more than 100 kilometres of trails through the mountains or head along to the water play area at the recreation precinct.

“In the Dandenongs, walkers will be able to make their way through the hills, learning more about the cultural and artistic history of the region.

“I’m proud to see that our application has been shortlisted, and we’ll be putting our best foot forward with our business case in coming weeks.”

The Regional Growth Fund provides grants of $10 million or more for major projects that support long-term economic growth and create jobs in regional areas.

All of the projects align with Council’s priority of creating resilient and livable communities, identified in its Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2017-21.

Federal Member for Casey, Tony Smith, welcomed the announcement that Council’s application for Federal Government funding of $10 million for four key projects had been selected for further consideration.

“These local projects build on recreational tourism opportunities in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Smith said.

“The Government’s funding program is available to support and assist local communities. The trails and cultural experiences will lead to more jobs, enhance business opportunities and boost local tourism.

The Regional Growth Fund announcement has also been welcomed by local resident and member of the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group – Upwey South Reserve Working Group Ian Rainbow.

“The Ridgewalk will provide a wonderful opportunity to explore a connected network of trails, away from traffic but within walking access to the villages of the Dandenongs,” Mr Rainbow said.

“Art installations along the trail will help build a personal connection to the flora, fauna and history of the Hills.

“I hope the local communities and businesses will see this as a great opportunity for our region, whereby tourists are encouraged to engage in our beautiful natural surroundings, rather than just stopping for a quick photo opportunity.” 

The shortlisted projects’ applicants will be informed of funding confirmation in February 2019.

For more information, visit regional.gov.au.