‘Pick my Project’ voting is now live, which means Victorians can vote on their favourite projects, with 13 Golden Plains Shire projects put forward by residents, community groups and organisations. Click here to vote or see below for further information, including a list of local projects included in Pick My Project.
What is Pick my Project?
Pick My Project is a State Government community grants initiative, with $30 million available to fund local projects. Victorians were asked to come up with project ideas in May and June this year and make a submission. Communities across Victoria submitted more than 2,000 project ideas to this community grants initiative.
Pick a project
Members of the Golden Plains community are encouraged to view the list of local projects (see below) and help make their favourite project ideas a reality by voting for the top three eligible projects in their community.
Make your vote count
The project ideas that receive the most votes will share in the $30 million funding, with between $20,000 and $200,000 available for each project idea. The $30 million in funding has been divided between the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas (Golden Plains Shire is part of the Central Highlands region), with each to receive at least $1 million for project ideas in their area.
Support is available
Residents who would like help with the online voting system can visit the Bannockburn Library, who have been specially briefed on the system and can help you out in person. To help support the voting process, the Pick My Project team will be hosting a series of events around the state.
Golden Plains Shire's special event will be held on Saturday 18 August, at the Meredith Community Centre, from 10.30am-1.30pm.
Come along to get help with how to vote, learn more about Pick My Project, or to get advice on how to promote your project idea. More information about the State Government’s scheduled events can be found here.
Local projects
The following project descriptions were supplied by the community project owners.
Inverleigh Community Play Space
The rural community of Inverleigh needs a new play space that is accessible, fun, appeals to multiple age groups, is physically challenging and stimulating. The proposed play space will incorporate a large multi skill unit with slides, flying fox, ladders and rock wall. Beside this unit will be a 6 meter rope tower, rocker rider and quad swing set. The play space is proposed for the vacant park land between the existing public toilets and skate ramp and will incorporate seating and picnic tables. It will be sensitive to the surrounding natural environment, Leigh River and landscaped accordingly.
Maude Community Playground and BBQ area enhancement
The recreation reserve, which is on the old school site, has become a very popular picnic area and overnight free camping area. The existing facilities consist of one electric bbq , a campfire area, toilet facilities, a small playground and a lookout which overlooks the Moorabool Valley. There have been requests from visitors and locals for improved playground equipment and extra bbq facilities. The proposition is to extend the existing bbq area shelter and add another two electric bbqs and to make the playground more inviting by adding another three items of equipment.
To install four street light poles on the road edge at the Ross Creek Recreation Reserve. They will illuminate the area, making it a safer area for walkers on the walking track, users of the Reserve, users of the road and providing access to the public toilets.
This project involves the installation of lighting at the Linton and District Bowls Club. They are to be used by local members and to entice local people to the facility, and hopefully build the membership base. Bare Foot Bowls over the summer months, so these lights would broaden the appeal, which means that isolated people can engage in social activities for a longer period of time.
Stay and Play – Napoleons Playground Upgrade
It is time to upgrade the Napoleons Recreation Reserve playground. The playground has been great for the past 10 years but it can be made fabulous! A family friendly play space to use and enjoy is needed to support sporting and recreation facilities at the reserve and the increased enrolments at the adjoining primary school. A basket swing, large climbing frame, paths and secure fencing, with ample seating, will enhance the experience for all community members and visitors to the playground. This upgrade will provide a safe and secure playground for all ages and abilities.
Steiglitz Township water catchment and dam regeneration
Steiglitz is a township within Steiglitz Historic Park, surrounded by bush land. There is no water, electricity or sewerage connected. Each summer sees Steiglitz at risk from bush fire. The only large volume of water for firefighting is a single town dam. However, the water catchment systems and the dam are in dire need of repair. Necessary works include:
- Uncovering & repairing existing listed stone-lined gutters.
- Reshaping road camber to direct rainwater into stone gutters.
- Removal of silt build up from existing water channeling contours.
- Eradicating introduced reed infestation and removing silt from town dam.
Teesdale Turtle Bend ‘Serpent Bridge’ Makeover
The Teesdale Turtle Bend is the focal point of Teesdale community life. Residents have created a unique pavilion, with copper roof, mosaic floor and musical turtle, where the township holds festivals, carols and markets. The area also supports the local skate/BMX park, bbqs and walking tracks. However, the access footbridge, visible from Main Road, which links the Bend with the playground and paths to the shop and school, is run-down, narrow and unsafe. The goal is to widen the bridge to improve access for all, including disabled, prams and bikes, with striking design/musical elements that reflect environmental and Indigenous heritage and culture.
Banno Real Learners (Bannockburn)
This program aims to engage and develop vulnerable learners and offer the opportunity for students to become successful through hands-on learning. A range of students both male and female from a range of year levels will be afforded access to the program. There is a need to provide a standalone space on the school site for the program to be delivered. Funding will assist with the initial capital set up costs where the school will contribute to the ongoing funding of the program.
The community seeks to develop a presently unused area into a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing public space. The town does not have a focal point, a central ‘heart’ to bring the community together. The area is devoid of facilities that provide a stimulating play area for children, or a central meeting place to congregate. The plan includes a rotunda for seating and cooking facilities, a nature play area to enhance and beautify the space and the establishment of a community garden to stimulate community participation and interest in the local environment. These additions to the streetscape are much-needed enhancements.
Refurbishment of Meredith Heritage History Centre
The installation of purpose-built storage and display units will reflect and enhance the heritage value of the building. Members of the group will have much improved access to the collections and public visitations will increase due to the ability of the History Group to hold events that encourage public interest and local involvement.
Linton Mortchup Reservoir Environmental Landmark (Lovers Walk)
This project looks at improving the environment and making better use of the area to encourage the community to use the location for walks. The project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the community though physical activity. It enables people to access the area and walk the lake with ease in a circuit for approximately 1km. It will connect local people as they talk about their community, dogs and how wonderful it is that they have a location where they can sit and relax in, or take a stroll or jog around the lake.
Inverleigh Recreational Disc Golf Course
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, except players throw golf discs from a tee area to an elevated basket. A healthy life-time sport suitable for people of all ages and abilities, it can be enjoyed individually in competition and casually with family and friends. This project will help diversify the recreational opportunities for members and attract new visitors to the Club with a unique and accessible sport. Through implementing development strategies such as non-competitive women leagues and youth focussed come and try events, this project aims to increase female membership and participation at the club.
Smythesdale-Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility verandah awning extension
This project involves extending the current awning by approximately 4 metres along the entire length of the existing verandah. There is very little shelter provided by the existing awning. The football/netball club and other public users have little protection from rain and wind and in summer, cricketers and other public users have no shade due to the angle of the sun onto such a small awning. During events in the multi-purpose room, there is limited area to ‘spill outside’. This will be accessible to all members of the community and improve the safety and usability of the facility.