January 1st, 2024Ballan library project funding failure

The Morabool Shire Council was disappointed to learn a funding application to the Federal Government for the civic plaza at the recently tendered new Ballan Library and Community Precinct site was unsuccessful.

The council had applied for $851,000 to the Government’s Growing Regions Program to fund the outdoor plaza with courtyard seating and gardens, for the growing Ballan community to sit and connect.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said the lack of funding could mean this part of the Ballan Library project may be delayed or not proceed as originally envisaged.

“It’s so disappointing the plaza component of the project is in jeopardy,” Cr Munari said.

“The civic plaza is a place for the community to gather and a connection point to the other components of the precinct- the library, Maternal and Child Health Centre, exhibition spaces and community rooms.”

“The Victorian Government has contributed $5 million through two different funding streams for the Ballan Library and Community Hub project”.

“If you look across the shire, we have attracted a lot of State Government funding for our projects and we continue to struggle to secure Federal Government for our major projects.”

“To continue to deliver on much needed infrastructure we will need both levels of government to contribute to allow us to meet the needs of our current and future communities.”