A $15 million funding package has been proposed to get state and federal government partnership in rolling out groundwork for the long-awaited Warrnambool CBD street revitalisation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
City council officers are preparing to lodge applications for $5 million from each of the governments to match the proposed same allocation from council coffers.
Applications for a federal government grants pool close next month, when a new state fund will also become available.
“We are looking at possibly $15m over three levels of government,” mayor Michael Neoh told The Standard.
“If all the ducks fall into place we could start construction next year.
“I would think we would get the lot done with $15m and development work would be staggered.”
Cr Neoh and council chief executive Bruce Anson put the request to local Wannon MP Dan Tehan on Monday evening.
A formal application will be made to Spring Street when details of a new funding pool are released.
“In the state election lead-up there was a promise for regional city centre revitalisation,” Cr Neoh said.
“All up there would be $500m over four years, with $100m quarantined for regional city infrastructure and jobs. As chairman of Regional Cities Victoria I’ve been advocating that all cities get a bite of the cherry.”
Mr Tehan said he would support the federal funding application.
“It would fit with what we are looking to do with Regional Development Australia funding, which has a jobs focus,” the Liberal MP said.
“Liebig Street looks to be a very worthwhile project and would help generate jobs.”
Concept designs have been approved for giving Liebig Street its biggest revamp in generations, along with part of Koroit Street.
It includes narrowing the roadway to single traffic each way, widening footpaths with pavers, installing more footpath furniture for trading and dining, new lighting and trees and moving the taxi rank to Lava Street.
The guidelines entail completing the Liebig Street section between Koroit and Lava streets in the first two years, followed by the Koroit to Timor streets section and then Lava Street to Raglan Parade all within five years, followed by Koroit Street between Liebig and Kepler, with the balance of the city centre completed within two decades.
Official discussions on CBD revitalisation started almost 10 years ago and numerous reports have since been compiled, along with community consultations, but there remains a lack of adequate funding to bring the visions to reality, apart from artwork in laneways.
