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

Today I would like to congratulate the communities of Porepunkah and Myrtleford, and the Alpine Shire, for their hard work in securing just under a million dollars for the Alpine Better Places project under round 3 of the National Stronger Regions Fund. I encourage the community to continue their participation and interest in the development of their towns. I congratulate Mayor Ron Janas, CEO Dave Barry and the Asset Development team at Alpine Shire Council for their ability to bring together a strategic vision for Porepunkah and Myrtleford, which can now be delivered with this funding.

The funding will transform these Ovens Valley towns. The works will make the towns safer and more attractive, and provide better connections between recreational and commercial spaces. Local groups such as PUNCA in Porepunkah are doing great things to support their towns and the work of the Alpine Shire Council. The Alpine Better Places project will encourage visitors to stop and spend more time and money in these beautiful towns. This will further encourage investment and provide direct economic benefit to my communities.

I would like to take the opportunity today to acknowledge the work of Francine Stacey from the Alpine Shire, who has been volunteering in my office this week, and to thank the mayor and the staff of the Alpine Shire Council for letting her come up here and be here this week. Francine, you made a huge difference to my office. Thank you very much. I have really appreciated having you.