The Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today announced Brumby Labor Government funding of $49,300 for improvements to Benalla Showgrounds.
“Benalla Showgrounds hosts the Annual Spring Show each October and the funding will allow the Benalla Agricultural and Pastoral Society to replace the ageing Poultry Pavilion with a new multi-purpose pavilion,” Ms Broad said.
She said the funding would be provided through the Brumby Labor Government’s $4 million Rural Showgrounds Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
“Since the Rural Showgrounds Infrastructure Renewal Fund was established in 1999, Regional Development Victoria (RDV) has received numerous inquires about funding for a range of minor works projects,” Ms Broad said.
“As a result of these enquiries, RDV and the Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd (VAS Ltd) collaborated to create a program that would benefit most rural show societies and field day organisations, without causing major financial burden to these volunteer groups.
Ms Broad said the Minor Capital Works program provides RIDF funding of up to $50,000 for projects that help rural show and field day organisations in the ongoing development of their respective community events.
“The program provides funding on a $2:$1 basis and recognises in-kind contributions to the total project cost,” Ms Broad said.
“Eligible projects include upgrades to arenas, pavilions, sheds and other buildings, and building or improving general facilities.
“The program is administered by the VAS Ltd, which will call for funding applications twice each year.”
Ms Broad said the Rural Showgrounds Infrastructure Renewal Fund was a sub-program of the Brumby Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.
“The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund has been very successful in leveraging funds to deliver much needed infrastructure projects across Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“To date, the RIDF has provided $462 million towards 252 capital works projects that have leveraged more than $1.32 billion in new infrastructure investment.”
For more information about the Minor Capital Works program phone Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd on 9281 7467.