Moorabool Shire Council is hoping to begin work on the recently announced Clarendon Community Hub by late 2017, after the state government pledged to fund the project in September.
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The state government announced $300,000 of funding for the project, alongside a further $624,000 for the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to assist with the revegetation of land damaged by the Scotsburn bushfire.
The community also secured $30,000 worth of in-kind labour to help redevelop the Clarendon Recreation Reserve.
The hub will include a new building with kitchen facilities, a social area, additional toilets and caterring amenities.
“Council is currently working with (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) to finalise the funding agreement for a Clarendon Community Hub,” Moorabool Shire infrastructure general manager Phil Jeffery said. “We expect work to commence in late 2017.”
The council is yet to provide any details on when the project is likely to be completed.
Clarendon Recreation Reserve committee member Judith Bailey said the development of a modern community hub would help residents across Scotsburn and Clarendon to form better relationships in the wake of the fire.
“We’re hoping to see more community activity after the development of the hub,” Ms Bailey said. “It will help the community to grow closer together.”
It comes as the region prepares to mark one year since the fire tore through the region, burning more then 4600 hectares of land across December 19 and 20.
The fire destroyed 12 homes as well as well as dozens of sheds throughout the Scotsburn, Clarendon, Elaine and Durham Lead.
members of the fire-stricken community have continued to meet twice a month throughout the year to offer support to one another.
Ms Bailey said the committee had also been in consultation with the CCMA about the best way to rejuvenate the region following the fire.
Speaking after the announcement, Moorabool Shire chief executive Rob Croxford said the hub would help to repair a community which will still picking up the pieces from the fire.
“The Clarendon Hub will bring the community together on many levels and will provide a diverse platform for community activities.”
