Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, inspecting the construction of the Croajingolong Centre for Communication and Arts that will house a new gallery and community radio studios.  Michael Drake and Russell Grabert were delighted to show Tim the progress of the building which has received $176,000 in State funds.

The Victorian Coalition Government is investing $176,700 from its $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to fit-out the new community building in Mallacoota, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull announced today.

The new building will provide much needed community meeting spaces, delivering space for an art gallery, sculpture court, and facilities for musical and theatrical activities.  

“The facility will be home to the studio of the community radio station, known as the Mallacoota Genoa Broadcasting Association Inc., and the Mallacoota Arts Council Inc,” Mr Bull said.

“It will also provide meeting space for a range of community based groups such as U3A, the local primary/secondary college and the Mallacoota District Business and Tourism Association.

“The facility will provide guaranteed tenure for the Mallacoota Arts Council, which is homeless, and the Mallacoota Genoa Broadcasting Association, which operates from rented accommodation.

“The community radio station operates year round and provides important community information, especially during emergencies.

“The fit-out will include plastering and painting, electrical and plumbing works, rendering the building’s exterior, building a sculpture courtyard and associated landscaping,” he said

Mr Bull said Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $279,700 project would be provided through the Regional Growth Fund to Mallacoota Arts Council Inc. and Mallacoota Genoa Broadcasting Association Inc., which will jointly contribute $103,000 towards the project.

“The Regional Growth Fund is investing in community-led projects to strategically drive jobs, investment and innovation in rural and regional Victoria,” he said.

Since it was established in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has delivered more than $400 million, generating well over $1.6 billion of total investment across almost 1500 projects.

In East Gippsland Shire, the Regional Growth Fund has provided $10.4 million to 59 projects, leveraging $26.2 million in total investment. Some of these projects include:
•    $500,000 for the $ 1,250,000 Bairnsdale CBD Improvement project;
•    $450,000 for the Davison Oval - All Abilities Playground project; and
•    $346,000 for the Visitor Information Centre Upgrade.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.