THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. BARNABY JOYCE MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Morrison Government is investing in the Mornington Peninsula’s future, by funding two community projects under Round 5 of our highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
These projects will strengthen our local communities with more jobs, opportunities, and future infrastructure for current and future generations – securing the Mornington Peninsula’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Projects that have been funded as part of BBRF Round five, include:
- $188,000 to the National Trust of Australia, to build the Environmental and Educations Centre in Endeavour Fern Gully – to provide a rich environmental education to current and future generations.
- $149,998 to the Mornington Peninsula Shire for the Balnarring Recovery event – to expand the Mornington Peninsula’s vibrant arts sector with a new, free community art and cultural single day event.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the Morrison Government’s investment will deliver more opportunities for current and future generations on the Mornington Peninsula.
“New projects like these create new jobs and strengthen our community with more opportunity, not just for now, but for future generations to enjoy,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Balnarring recovery event will expand and inspire our rich, vibrant arts sector – building on the $300,000 investment made earlier this year to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.”
“I’m also excited for the Environmental and Education Centre to come to life and provide environmental education on preserving our beautiful sites like the Endeavour Fern Gully.”
“With Australian vaccination rates passing 70 and 80%, I am hopeful that the Victorian Government eases lockdown restrictions soon, so residents will be able to take advantage of these projects.”
“I have always worked closely with the Shire Council and local community representatives to delivery great projects like these for the Mornington Peninsula; and I’m proud to be apart of the Government that continues to support local communities.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Despi O’Connor commented that the “Mornington Peninsula Shire is thrilled to receive this funding under the Building Better Regions Fund.
“The $149,998 secured through this grant will be dollar-matched by the Shire to a total value of $300,000 to deliver a fun, inclusive and immersive community event to Balnarring.” Mayor O’Connor said.
“This event will be delivered within the context of a broader, Peninsula-wide arts and cultural festival, and offer a broad range of music, creative arts and performance experiences, as well as participatory workshops and activities for people of all ages.”
“We’re very excited to deliver this significant opportunity for community celebration and stimulus for the local creative sector that has been impacted so significantly by Covid.”
Simon Ambrose, CEO of the National Trust of Australia commented that “this incredibly exciting announcement will enable the National Trust and community to construct an Environment and Education Centre at Endeavour Fern Gully, a rare surviving remnant of Indigenous bushland on the Mornington Peninsula.”
“The centre will be a space for locals, visitors, tourists, researchers and students to learn and engage about the environmentally and culturally significant site, rich in flora, fauna and habitat diversity. The funding will also help to ensure that the 27 hectares of rain forest is enjoyed by visitors and generates ongoing economic and social benefits to the community.” Mr Ambrose said.
“We thank Regional Development Australia, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora & Fauna Association for their support of the project.”
Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.
This latest funding round takes our total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we’ve committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million. This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Funding for these projects in the Flinders electorate is a testament to the dedication of Greg Hunt.
“Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.
“Infrastructure upgrades funded in this latest round will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while helping support important regional industries which create jobs.
“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead.”
For a full list of successful projects, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf
Media contact:
Deputy Prime Minister – Antony Perry | 0477 971 654 | Antony.Perry@infrastructure.gov.au
The Hon. Greg Hunt MP – Callum Carter | 0447 696 500 | callum.carter@aph.gov.au
-ENDS-