Flood recovery in the Central Goldfields region has received a boost of $1.56 million in Victorian Coalition Government funding, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan announced today.

Speaking in Maryborough, Mr Ryan said the Central Goldfields Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Re-establishment project would help to accelerate recovery in the region through the reinstatement and repair of important community assets.

“The Central Goldfields Shire was heavily impacted by flooding in early 2011 and the Coalition Government remains ready and willing to assist during the ongoing rebuilding phase,” Mr Ryan said.

“It is essential for flood-affected regions to have access to community infrastructure and this is why the Coalition Government established the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund (FRCIF) in the wake of recent flooding events.”

Mr Ryan said the $1.56 million in funding had been provided to the Central Goldfields Shire Council through the FCRIF to assist with the following projects:

· Reinstate Carisbrook Senior Citizens Centre to previous standard;
· Reinstate Carisbrook Opportunity Shop to previous standard;
· Reinstate Carisbrook Maternal and Child Health Centre;
· Reinstate shelter, drainage and carpark at Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre;
· Repair structural damage to London House, Talbot;
· Rebuild Maryborough Caravan Park amenities and facilities block; and
· Repair and landscape of the Carisbrook to Maryborough Bike Path

The FRCIF is jointly administered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The DSE component of the funding has assisted with projects on Crown Land reserves within the Shire.

While in Maryborough, Mr Ryan also announced $75,000 in funding from the Local Skills Partnership program for the appointment of a Business Initiatives Officer at the Central Goldfields Shire Council.

“The appointment of a dedicated officer will support the development and implementation of an Economic Development Strategy for the region,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Local Skills Partnerships Program aims to build the workforce capability of local government and help to guide growth and manage economic initiatives and investment.”

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541