Significant projects across the Surf Coast Shire from Connewarre to Lorne, to Mt Moriac and Winchelsea have been included in Council’s $18.58m capital works program for 2013/14.

The works, included in Council’s draft budget, are spread across the four wards of Surf Coast Shire as Council continues its efforts to boost community infrastructure.

Council’s Asset Preservation budget includes $1.2m in renewal works for sealed local roads and $900,000 in gravel resheeting work.  Playgrounds throughout the shire will also benefit from $373,000 in funding to implement Council’s Playground Strategy.

In Lorne Ward, projects include:

  • $500,000 towards extending the Lorne Visitor Information Centre
  • $200,000 towards drainage and oval upgrades at Stribling Reserve in Lorne
  • $540,000 towards rehabilitating the old Deans Marsh landfill site
  • $25,000 to reseal the road at the Lorne Transfer Station

In Anglesea Ward, projects include:

  • $1.25m in cell liner works at the Anglesea Landfill
  • $140,000 towards drainage works
  • $140,000 to continue upgrades to the Anglesea Transfer Station
  • $12,000 towards work at the Anglesea Riverbank Carnival site
  • $80,000 for boardwalk improvements at Moggs Creek
  • $50,000 to replace the gatehouse at the Anglesea Transfer Station
  • $125,000 towards upgrading the Anglesea Bowls Club, with a further $125,000 earmarked in 2014/15’s capital works planning
  • Council will also be investigating the feasibility of an Aireys Inlet community recreational open space reserve.

In Winchelsea Ward, projects include:

  • $950,000 to redevelop the Mount Moriac Reserve Pavilion
  • $300,000 to replace the culvert on Church Road in Modewarre
  • $400,000 to renew Larcombes Road in Winchelsea
  • $465,000 to purchase land for future upgrades of Eastern Reserve
  • $130,000 to improve traffic management at Bellbrae Primary School.
  • $100,000 to rehabilitate land at the old Mount Moriac works depot
  • $100,000 for flood mitigation works at Freshwater Creek
  • $20,000 to upgrade the Connewarre Riding Club showjumping arena
  • $10,000 towards a new toilet at the Bellbrae Tennis Club
  • $20,000 towards a waste water collection point at Winchelsea
  • $25,000 towards upgrades at Barwon Valley Pony Club

In Torquay Ward, projects include:

  • $288,000 towards a regional bike route through Torquay
  • $175,000 to continue widening of Horseshoe Bend Road in Torquay
  • $200,000 to extend the Jan Juc Kindergarten
  • $180,000 towards a bridge between Spring Creek Reserve and Aurora Crescent
  • $10,000 towards a BMX pump track at Bob Pettitt reserve in Jan Juc
  • $10,000 towards drinking fountains in Torquay
  • $25,000 to upgrade Torquay Skate Park
  • Council will also review a past feasibility study on an aquatic leisure centre in Torquay.

Mayor, Cr Libby Coker, said the program delivered important upgrades for a number of Surf Coast communities.

“Council has long had a strong focus on improving local infrastructure, with the community already benefiting from many major upgrades and new facilities.  This gives Council the ability to address broader areas of need, including in smaller communities,” Cr Coker said.