Thursday, 29 August 2024

Ministers statements: Tiny Towns Fund

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:13): I am pleased to announce that round 2 of the Allan Labor government’s Tiny Towns Fund is now open. We know that there is work to do to keep and attract working families in our regions. That is why our smallest rural and regional towns of up to 5000 residents can once again apply for up to $50,000 grants for projects that boost tourism and livability and make a positive difference to communities. In this new round of Tiny Towns we are encouraging even more of a focus on project ideas that boost local jobs, economic growth and resilience for communities impacted by natural disasters. We are continuing to promote equity across towns and regions, with townships that have not yet received a grant to be prioritised in this round. And we are making the application process even easier for smaller, volunteer-run community groups to apply. I have seen and heard firsthand how the Tiny Towns Fund is already supporting community-driven projects across the regions, from the hidden gem that is the Terang civic hall, where upgraded flooring will ensure that the magnificent venue is accessible for the whole community, to the annual Kennett River tennis tournament, which will soon be played on a fully upgraded tennis court. And with the new pathways at the Camperdown botanic gardens, more Victorians can enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanic plains. We are going to back even more projects like this through the program’s second round, because under this government we are delivering for our regional communities big and small.