Gavin Marshall, Senator for Victoria, today joined Les Erdi OAM and representatives of the Victorian Government and City of Melbourne to officially open the new Signal Creative Arts Studio in Melbourne.

Senator Marshall said it was great to see young Melbournians taking on the challenge of the arts — and the government injecting some environmentally friendly features into arts developments.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the City of Melbourne received $113,000 towards the more than $1.5 million development from the Rudd Labor Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term,” Mr Albanese said.

“Around 56 jobs were supported during construction of the facility and 23 jobs will be sustained in the long term through operation and maintenance of the centre.”

Senator Marshall said that the new studio would provide opportunities for young people aged 13-20 years to work alongside professional artists across all artforms. Workshops, creative development, events and exhibitions will take place at Signal.

“The green features of the building include specialised insulating glass, a 2,000 litre water tank for water collection and reuse, 16 photovoltaic cells that generate enough electricity for the whole building, and a natural ventilation system,” Senator Marshall said.

In partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with City of Melbourne set to receive at least a further $128,000,” Mr Albanese said.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.”

Minister Albanese and Senator Marshall congratulated the City of Melbourne, the Erdi Group, the Victorian Government and the local arts community for helping deliver this important community facility.