Colac
Thursday, 07 May 2009 06:00
Colac is being transformed by Federal funding of huge new transport, education and community-building projects, including the duplication of the Princes Highway.
Here's a summary of major projects affecting Colac. To find out further detail about the opportunities and job creation impacts of the Federal Government's Stimulus Package in your local area, please visit the special dedicated website http://www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au/pages/default.aspx
PRINCES HIGHWAY DUPLICATION. The Federal Government have committed $110 million to duplicate the Princes Highway between Geelong and Winchelsea. This project will bring new industries and jobs to Colac, and will make driving safer and easier. Planning for this huge project is now well underway.
COLAC SCHOOLS GET MAJOR UPGRADES. The Primary Schools for the 21st Century program will see all Colac primary school get major upgrades. For example, St Mary's will get a new school library / resource centre built and a new a new multi-purpose school hall for a cost of $2 million. Sacred Heart will get will also get classrooms upgrades, a roof and external facade and upgrade of grounds and rain water tanks. St Brendans grounds will be upgraded with reasphalting, retaining walls and shade structures. Colac South West Primary School-will get a new outdoor learning area. Elliminyt Primary School will get a new learning centre as well. On top of this $400,000 has been provided to Sacred Heart, St Brendans and Colac South West for further refurbishments.
UPGRADE OF THE COLAC LAVERS HILL ROAD. The Colac Lavers Hill Road had been neglected for years under the previous Howard government, with serious acciddents happening all the time on this dangerous road. The Rudd Government agreed to fund the upgrade of this road, and already construction has begun. The project will be complete within 2 years.
FORREST TIGER RAIL TRAIL. The Federal Government is providing $40,000 for the constuction of a trail, the reconstruction of an existing bridge and the installation of signage on the Forrest Tiger Rail Trail.
GEELONG RING ROAD. The Federal Government is providing 50% of the funding for the Geelong Ring Road, which will bring jobs and economic development to the whole of the Surf Coast Shire, including Torquay and Jan Juc. The Geelong Ring Road will also reduce commuting times to Melbourne and reduce traffic and commuting times in the Geelong City area, as well as reduce pollution. Once the Geelong Ring road is completed, people from Jan Juc, for example, will be able to travel from their driveway to Melbourne without a single traffic light.
BLUEWATER FITNESS CENTRE UPGRADE. The Bluewater Fitness Centre is a crucial facility for Colac, bringing the community together in healthy activities. The Federal Government have recognised this and provided a $300,000 upgrade for this centre.
COLAC BOTANIC GARDENS UPGRADE. The Federal Government is also providing $150,000 for an upgrade of the famous Colac Botanic Gardens precinct.
COLAC VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE UPGRADE. Labor is providing $20,000
to reconfigure the entrance at the centre, relocate information desk and installation of an internet kiosk at the Colac Visitor Information Centre.
