Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I would like to acknowledge the work of the Indigo Shire Council and the development of the Chiltern 'Heritage Town, Bold Future' project. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the work of the project drivers—Mark Florence, Kate Biglin, Susan Reid, Kevin Mayhew, Joy Lee, Rod Wangman, Anne Bowler, Tony Brown and councillors Barb Murdoch, Sophie Price and Roberta Horne. This project will position the historic town for economic and population growth and create a connected and resilient community. Council has sought funding from the Australian government's Building Better Regions Fund to bring this plan to life. I wish them all the best in their application and look forward to it being delivered.

The plan, when funded, will upgrade and expand the children's services hub to integrate children's services and the community centre, accommodating 35 children in long day care. It will activate the town centre through improved streetscapes and connectivity, and it will create an industrial employment precinct with utility services and upgraded road infrastructure to accommodate future traffic demand and usage. When completed, the project will bring a $12 million boost to the local economy and up to 42 jobs, including 28 ongoing jobs for Chiltern and the region. I congratulate the council, and I thank them for their work. To the community of Chiltern I say: the best is yet to come.