Senator Bridget McKenzie

Kinglake will receive $750,000 from the Federal Government, in a move that matches grants already announced by Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Federal Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, today (Sunday) announced the funding towards projects being undertaken by Murrindindi Shire Council.

The Kinglake projects in the Murrindindi Shire Council funding include:
• Installing street furniture, seating, bike parking, bins, and new signage;
• Replacing the Main Rd pedestrian crossing and relocating the bus stop;
• Urban design landscaping and feature paving;
• Building a roundabout at the Glenburn and Whittlesea-Kinglake Rds intersection;
• Building an inclusive access toilet to the Aitken Crescent public toilets;
• Upgrading kerbing, pavements and footpaths along Aitken Crescent;
• Installing two new electric vehicle charging points at the Healesville-Kinglake intersection; and
• Installation of soft landscaping.

The announcement comes weeks ahead of the Federal Election, expected to be in May. Senator McKenzie’s press statement was heavy with political point-scoring, and even had the inclusion of words from the Indi Nationals candidate Mark Byatt, and the Indi Liberal candidate, Steve Martin.

Senator McKenzie also quoted Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay, and Deputy Mayor, Cr Leigh Dunscombe, to give the announcement a local feel.

Cr McAulay was quoted to say that this funding was exciting news for Kinglake.

“We have all worked hard to rebuild the homes, businesses, communities and lives that were impacted by the 2009 Bushfires,” Cr McAulay said.

Cr Dunscombe said the council have talked about what Kinglake needs to thrive and prosper and how those needs could best be met.

“It is our hope the renewed streetscape will create a community hub which promotes not only a sense of connectedness but inspires a feeling of pride as well. We believe it will provide a real boost to local businesses, help attract more tourists and ensure a prosperous future for the people of Kinglake,” Cr Dunscombe said.

“The Building Better Regions Fund investment in renewing the town’s streetscape will help us take a great leap forward toward Kinglake’s bright future.”

Mr Byatt, welcomed the Kinglake investment: “These works will help make Kinglake a destination of choice for Melbourne day-trippers and really grow the economy. These projects will give the entire Kinglake community a lift,” Mr Byatt said.

Mr Martin said the Building Better Regions Fund reinforced the Government’s commitment to rural and regional Australia.
“It is great to see the Liberal and Nationals Government backing our regions by making investments that will transform our local rural and regional communities,” Mr Martin said.

Senator McKenzie was big on the politics, in her announcement:

“The investment is part of successful round three projects under the $641.6 million Building Better Regions Fund, and will be used to support the growth of existing and new businesses a decade after the devastating Victorian Bushfires.”

She said she was glad to see Kinglake embracing a positive future.

“The $750,000 for Kinglake, which borders the electorates of McEwen and Indi, is on top of $3,452,500 already confirmed across the Indi electorate.

“There was $200 million available for projects under round three – with up to $45 million earmarked to support tourism related infrastructure projects.

“Tourism is a year-round industry and it is great to see this project to enhance the streetscape and refurbish the major roads and intersections around Kinglake,” Senator McKenzie said.

“By investing in infrastructure and projects that build community resilience and economies, we are ensuring regional towns such as Kinglake have the facilities required to cater for growing tourist numbers and people wanting to be part of this community.”

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is able to invest in infrastructure and activities that grow regional economies because of our good economic management.

“By fixing the Budget we have the money to ensure our regions share in Australia’s prosperity. That is only possible because The Nationals in Government have been fighting to ensure regional Australia gets its fair share.”