Council seeks funding to fast track Community and Health Precinct Plan
Published on 26 August 2022
Surf Coast Shire Council will pursue Victorian Government funding to develop a master plan to deliver an integrated community and health precinct in Anglesea.
On Tuesday night, Council resolved to seek funding from the Victorian Government’s Investment Fast Track Fund to create a plan for the McMillan Street Precinct to ensure the Anglesea community has access to the critical places, spaces and services it needs.
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said the State Government funding would help accelerate the process of developing a sustainable community and health precinct that would service the Anglesea community now and into the future.
“The McMillan Street Precinct is vitally important for the Anglesea community,” Cr Stapleton said.
“It is home to multiple community groups and agencies including the kindergarten, senior citizens club, youth space, community house, memorial hall, Angair, historical society, community garden, medical centre and Barwon Health’s Anglesea Community Health Centre.”
Recent audits have demonstrated that some infrastructure is duplicated and disconnected and some buildings are approaching the end of their useful life.
“We are still very much in the early planning stages but this funding would provide the key financial support necessary to reimagine what the precinct could be to support the Anglesea community for decades to come,” Cr Stapleton said.
“This includes exploring the possibilities of affordable accommodation for key workers, an integrated community hub and critical health infrastructure and services.
“This project will include a high level of community engagement to establish a much needed community endorsed vision for the precinct.
“Furthermore, this precinct is well placed to provide essential health and community services, and affordable key worker accommodation for the entire district, and will have a really positive impact on the Anglesea township and its people.”
The total project cost of the development of the McMillan Street Anglesea Precinct Plan is $250,000. Council will apply for $200,000 from the Investment Fast Track Fund and will contribute $50,000 if its application is successful.
The Investment Fast Track Fund supports the planning and preparation of regional and rural development project proposals to strengthen the project’s investment evidence base and accelerate investment readiness.