$2 million was invested towards seven projects as part of round two of the Community Development Fund – to create jobs and help former forestry communities thrive long term.
Upper Murray Inc will receive a $500,000 grant towards its Local Development Strategy, targeting high-impact opportunities to attract investment to the region and deliver a leadership development program for locals.
Upper Murray Inc will receive a further $250,000 grant for an agricultural pilot project to collect and share data and knowledge that will help farmers build resilient farming systems and retain and create employment.
Murrindindi Shire Council will receive a $130,000 grant to go towards its Murrindindi Farm Forestry project. The project will analyse the current state of farm forestry in Murrindindi and identify future opportunities, establish a pilot Farm Forestry Interpretive Centre, and develop a small-scale timber processing pilot project.
Applications are now open for round three of the program which will make a further $5 million in funding available to eligible organisations in and around the townships of Yarra Ranges, Noojee, Alexandra, Taggerty, Buxton, Marysville, Heyfield, Yarram, Nowa Nowa, Swifts Creek, Orbost, Koondrook, Benalla and Corryong.
The Swifts Creek Future project has received $100,000 to develop a structure plan for the area, which will provide a framework for future land development in Swifts Creek to increase housing supply.
