Two Lakes Entrance projects secured vital funding through Pick My Project – the Andrews Government’s ground-breaking program that gives locals the power to choose the projects their community needs.
Lakes Grain Shed received $196,000 for a community off lead dog park, while Gippsland Lakes Community Health received $177,456 for a fitness trail, which will provide a quality fitness circuit suitable for all ages and abilities.
“We’re very excited as this is a great way to encourage both locals and visitors to become more active and develop healthy habits. It’s also a wonderful addition to the overall outdoor lifestyle that Lakes Entrance offers. We congratulate the Lakes Entrance Fitness Trail committee on this success,” Gippsland Lakes Community Health chief executive officer, Sue Medson OAM, said.
They are two of 23 projects across Gippsland that will receive funding through the $30 million, Victorian-first initiative.
“We have seen a massive community response to Pick My Project with a huge number or brilliant local ideas being put forward, and I’m absolutely delighted that the funded initiatives will deliver such diverse, inclusive and grass-roots benefits right across our region,” Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, said.
“Pick My Project will make a real difference in Gippsland and right across the state – and the process of giving locals the power to choose the projects their communities need has been incredibly positive.”
Through the $30 million Pick My Project initiative, Victorian residents aged 16 and over were given the opportunity to submit their idea for a project or program that made their community a better place to live.
People were then given the chance to vote for their favourite project.
More than 95,000 Victorians cast votes, with successful projects receiving grants of between $20,000 and $200,000.
More than 230 projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria received funding through Pick My Project, with funding divided equally between Melbourne and regional Victoria based on the population of each of the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas.
To ensure a range of small and large communities had the opportunity to be part of Pick My Project, no more than 50 per cent of a partnership areas funding was awarded to one local government area.
