A project to better connect Mansfield and improve its liveability will soon
be completed with the help of $100,000 in Coalition Government funding,
announced today by Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes on behalf of the Deputy
Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan. 
 
Dr Sykes said Mansfield Shire was one of Victoria’s fastest growing rural
municipalities, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually and
boasting population growth of 18 per cent over 10 years. 

“The Mansfield Landscaping and Pathways to Connect Community project will
consolidate Mansfield’s place as a prime tourism and rural/residential
lifestyle destination, supporting social and economic growth in the
community,” Dr Sykes said. 

“The project will improve key areas of public open space in the township,
building on its physical features and liveability. 

“Works will include improvements to the Botanical Gardens and the town
amenities used most by residents and tourists alike. 

“The project is consistent with Mansfield Shire’s strategic plans and
policies in relation to the preservation and enhancement of the key
characteristics of the town, which make it a prime tourism and lifestyle
destination.” 

Mansfield Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Russell Bate said, “This particular
funding allows council to undertake works at Mansfield Botanic Park that
will make the Park more enjoyable for locals and visitors. In particular it
will allow the development of a series of connecting pathways that will
inter-connect community centres of activities around the greater Mansfield
township area.” 

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $152,000 project
would be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting
Locals First Program to Mansfield Shire Council, who will contribute the
remaining funding. 

“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative designed to enable
regional communities to plan and deliver the services and infrastructure to
meet local priorities,” Mr Ryan said. 

“It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by
building their capacity to drive development in their region.” 

The Mansfield Landscaping and Pathways to Connect Community project is
expected to be completed in October 2014. 

For more information about the Putting Locals First program, please visit
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/putting-locals-first  Read More