The Rudd Labor Government will provide nearly $1.1 million for the new Wonthaggi Centennial Centre in Victoria.

Anthony Byrne, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, made the announcement in Wonthaggi today with the Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council, Peter Paul.

Mr Byrne said that this project was worth more than $1.5 million in total.

“It is expected to support 40 jobs during construction, as well as another eight jobs over the longer term, delivering an economic boost for Wonthaggi.

“The Centennial Centre will provide an iconic hub for tourists, visitors and the local community,” he said.

“This is about giving a real boost to the Wonthaggi community by providing a facility for education and training, community meetings as well as an exhibition area for local artists,” he said.

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, said that the centre would also be a hub for tourism in the area and include a visitor information centre, coach and tour meeting point, bicycle hire service and a cultural and heritage interpretive display area.

“The Bass Coast Shire Council project is expected to construct and fit-out a 300 square-metre multipurpose building and include landscaping and environmental infrastructure such as rainwater tanks, solar hot water heating and solar panels.

“Our funding is 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 building and modernising community facilities in partnership with local governments,’ he concluded.

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