WALWA STREETSCAPE UPDATE
The Walwa streetscape committee of five chaired by Ivan Hobbs has continued its work in advancing the design of Walwa's streetscape between the hotel and the hall. As previously announced, the Towong Shire, as part of the Rudd Government's recent $384,000 local government package announced a $50,000 component to the Walwa streetscape upgrade.
Since that time members of the committee (Ivan Hobbs, Patrea Cook, Tony Sullivan & Stephen Caldwell) have met with VicRoads and Shire engineers in the Shire offices in Tallangatta and discussed the concept plans. Further work has also been completed by the committee in measuring up and surveying the street and completing scaled design plans. Discussions are also ongoing with shop keepers and residents.
Estimates for the proposed works were carried out in conjunction with local contractors and totalled close to $100,000 for the desired works........obviously with only $50,000 available something had to give. The committee has pared back and reshaped the original design and believes that it can still deliver a very effective result for the grant monies available. It has asked the Shire to supplement some elements of the design such as the road safety audit and possibly some of the drainage infrastructure. Also discussed with the Shire was the effectiveness of using local contractors and volunteers to optimise use of the funds.
The committee has now handed over its completed plans to Shire Director of Technical Services Gary Mawby who has agreed to carry the approval process forward with Vic Roads. Following approval, it is envisaged that plans be made available for display at prominent locations in town. Stay tuned for further developments.