Big projects boost

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
BUSHFIRE affected areas of the shire will get no major funding in the Yarra Ranges Council’s 2011/12 budget, while Healesville grows with the implementation of several major projects.
Coldstream and Yarra Glen will also take a share in the budget, with park and drainage improvements earmarked.
This year will see more than $22.5 million of council funding spent on major projects.
Healesville Memorial Hall is the major project with $4.4 million of upgrades currently in the works, which includes $3.5 million in Arts Victoria and Federal Government funding.
The hall will also be upgraded with an annex and the latest in digital cinema equipment worth $585,000.
Stage one of the Don Road Sporting Complex with new soccer and netball facilities worth $21,000 will begin and a half-court for basketball will be developed at Queens Park with $41,500.
The footbridge and path connections over the Grace Burn worth $100,000 will be subject to external funding requirements of $20,000.
Yarra Glen will see sporting improvements with the pavilion refurbishment at the football and netball club, and netball court improvements.
The Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve master plan will be implemented with $25,750.
Footpaths will also be constructed on Bell Street, from Pinoak Drive to Armstrong Grove and along Armstrong Grove from Melba Highway to the wetlands entry with more than $100,000.
Coldstream Community Centre will have its air-conditioning system installed for $180,000 – $150,000 in external funding – and high priority plans for the Margaret Lewis Reserve master plan will be implemented at a cost of $103,000.
Maurice Road in Gruyere will be improved with a special charge scheme of $100,000 with landowner contributions.