The Rudd Labor Government will provide just over $2 million to towards the construction of a new civic and community hub in Bacchus Marsh.

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government, made the announcement in Bacchus Marsh today with the Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, and the Mayor of Moorabool Shire Council, Cr Pat Toohey.

Mr Albanese said the $4.7 million project would redevelop the vacant, 6.4-hectare Darley Junior Campus into a new hub for the community.

“Bacchus Marsh and the surrounding region are growing rapidly. This project will support jobs and provide access for this growing community to modern sport and recreation facilities as well as a range of community and health services,” he said.

The Moorabool Shire Council project is expected to include:

• Redevelopment of existing buildings into accommodation space for community health and specialist health service providers;


• Creation of open recreation spaces including seating and picnic areas, playground, walking paths, art and signage;


• Redevelopment of sports grounds and facilities including installation of training lights to existing oval, amenities, car parking, barbecue areas;


• Upgrade of the existing sports stadium, change rooms, kitchen, walls and flooring and site access improvements such as walkways, railing and lighting; and


• Use of sustainable design, water management and landscaping through use of environmentally friendly materials, water efficient systems and plant revegetation.

Mr Albanese said that the funding was part of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which is delivering a record $1 billion for nearly 5,000 projects across the nation.

“Across Australia, we are supporting local economies in partnership with local government by building and modernising community infrastructure,” he concluded.

The funding is conditional upon the council formalising a contract with the Government and meeting relevant conditions.