Bellarine Times
Tuesday 22 June 2010
VOL 3. No 25
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
FREE WEEKLY
Pioneer Orchid Farm’s Brenton and Merrilyn McGee have been growing orchids at Leopold for more than 30 years and now have now bred more than 200 varieties, with 10,000 plants in flower. See full story Page 15.
FUNDING WIN PHOTO: ALISON MARTIN
Government initiatives help to secure the future of Queenscliff
BY ALISON MARTIN QUEENSCLIFF’S coastal challenges and its unique heritage-tourism values will be supported through a multi-million dollar funding boost for regional areas. The town will share in a $13.6million Coastal Settlements of the Future initiative, addressing flooding vulnerability and a $6million Villages of Victoria tourism campaign announced last week by the State Government for regional areas. Queenscliff will also receive significant dollars through three separate regional funding initiatives, including a $250,000 grant to upgrade the iconic Princess and Citizens parks. Improvements to the parks will include
Surf Forecast
the reconstruction of Thwaites Walk, linking the Queenscliff Pier to Queenscliff Fort and improvements to safety fencing along the cliff edge. The funding will also provide for upgraded toilet amenities, including disabled facilities, landscaping, improvements to the car parks, landscaping and signage. Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, said the funding for Queenscliff was part of the government’s $631million ‘Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria’ initiative. ”It will drive a new era of opportunity, prosperity and growth in regional and rural Victoria,” she said. “It will boost regional and rural economies by giving young people more opportunities to stay, study and work in our regions.
“Communities will also have a bigger say in determining their futures under the new planning initiative.” She said the State Government would work in partnership with local government to develop the $13.6million Coastal Settlements of the Future initiative to protect the future of Queenscliff and other low-lying coastal areas. “This funding will support our coastal areas that have become vulnerable to the impacts of flooding, inundation and storm surges,” Neville said. Along with Barwon Heads, Queenscliff was also named as one of focal towns for the Villages of Victoria campaign, which will showcase the unique characteristics of places. “Our Villages campaign highlights the unique
personalities of Victoria’s village destinations,” Neville said. ”The 27 villages, including Queenscliff, were selected as they present a compelling visitor experience and showcase key Victorian product strengths of natural attractions, food and wine, spa and wellness, country or cultural experiences.” Borough of Queenscliffe mayor, Bob Merriman, has welcomed the funding and is looking forward to working with the State Government to further develop strategies to deal with the threat of rising sea levels. He said the promotion of Queenscliff’s heritage to expand tourism and hospitality job opportunities would also provide positive support for the community.
WED 2-3ft consistent, NNE 15° THU 2-3ft building, N 20° FRI 2-4ft+ building WNW 30° SAT 3-4ft steady NW 20°
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