THE state government is pouring money into Rosebud to both make it a “destination” and to bridge the gap between the infrastructure of Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs.
In a statement issued last Friday Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bev Colomb enthusiastically supports the government’s $4.15 million grant for the shire’s the Destination Rosebud project.
The total value of the project is $5,501,713 with council contributing $1.35m in this year’s budget.
Council says it will “inject” 33 jobs and $10.6 million into the local economy “and will provide opportunities for our young people to re-engage in employment, and to reconnect and bring a sense of pride to their community”.
Works include a “gateway” entrance to Rosebud, a “shared street and car park and plaza/pier forecourt at Jetty Rd”, free wi if access, lighting, replacing crumbling footpaths, picnic tables, barbecues and shelters.
The government money will also go towards completing a master plan (adopted by council last week) on the Jetty Rd foreshore, including a “nature-based playground”.
“On behalf of council and the community I sincerely thank the state government for this tremendous backing that is much-appreciated by our community and which will see Rosebud supported as a great place to meet, live, work and play,” Cr Colomb stated.
She said council was “ecstatic” and believed the project would strengthen “the special relationship between the township, business, community, visitors and the coastal environment”.
Mornington Peninsula is one of 10 “Interface Councils” surrounding metropolitan Melbourne.
Cr Colomb said the 10 municipalities included some of Melbourne’s fastest growing areas. Other councils in the interface group are Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
“The state government’s funding announcement is the first step in its commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the outer suburbs,” Cr Colomb said.
“Interface councils are extremely supportive of the policy direction that the Andrew’s government promised prior to the election and has already started to deliver in its first year of government.”
Cr Colomb said the plan for Destination Rosebud was a decision of council and she thanked councillors for “sowing the seed that grew into the submission and ultimately transpired into receiving funding support for the project”.
“It was an absolute privilege to be with my Interface Council colleagues earlier this year visiting with the Minister for Local Government and the Treasurer to put our case forward.”
In the same statement Cr Antonella Celi was quoted as saying the announcement of funding for the project was an “outstanding result for our community” that would “help realise the community’s vision”.
“This is an outstanding result for our community that has had so much input into the planning for Rosebud over many years,” Cr Celi said.
“The project will provide a much-needed boost to the local area – for our community and businesses – and really help revitalise the local area for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
Cr Graham Pittock was “impressed by the mayor, [CEO] Carl Cowie and team for providing the government with a doable strategic action plan. It is a wonderful achievement”.
Council lists “elements” of the Destination Rosebud project as streetscape works at the “gateway” entrance to the town at Point Nepean Rd; creation of a shared street and car park and plaza/pier forecourt at Jetty Rd; public wi fi access at the pier area; improvements to the public toilet near Jetty Rd; design guidelines for the township; lighting around foreshore areas; pavement renewal; event infrastructure and soundshell works; bin surrounds, planters, picnic tables, barbecues and shelters; improved beach access and funding will contribute towards the implementation of the Jetty Rd Foreshore Recreation Node Master Plan, including the installation of a nature-based playground.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 October 2015
