The funding is being delivered under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program, which is providing around $207 million to fund 40 new local priority infrastructure projects across the country.

The project incorporates Heathcote Library, a technology access hub, flexible community spaces, co-working spaces, a customer service centre, maternal and child health service, and landscaping.

Heathcote Library will be upgraded to serve as a prominent and key community hub service and activator. It will see it’s physical footprint nearly doubled, meeting the national library standard for floorspace area to accommodate Heathcote and District's current and future population growth, predicted to reach 4,343 by 2036. 

Two existing heritage-listed buildings – the Municipal Office and former Court House – will be expanded and adapted as part of the Stage One works, resulting in a multi-purpose and flexible community hub that can support delivery of many different services and community activities.

This project, to be led by the City of Greater Bendigo, will deliver community-focused infrastructure which benefits local and regional priorities. The provision of infrastructure will benefit the community by improving equity and accessibility whilst supporting diverse social inclusion.

Providing funding of between $500,000 and $15 million, the Growing Regions Program will support local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CATHERINE KING:

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – making sure our regions remain great places to live, work and play.

“Our Growing Regions Program forms a key part of this commitment, by investing in critical community and economic infrastructure across regional and rural areas, in a fair and transparent way.

“I look forward to seeing the successful projects roll out across the nation, supporting employment, stimulating economies and strengthening communities.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“I am thrilled to announce the Albanese Government will fund the Heathcote Civic Precinct priority project in Heathcote, pitching in $2,031,610 to make it a reality.

“This project will deliver works including the transformation of two existing community spaces including the Heathcote Library. Public libraries play an important role in supporting education and literacy.

“This will be a real difference maker for Heathcote and I look forward to seeing the benefits flow as works get underway – supporting local jobs and the local economy.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BENDIGO MAYOR, CR ANDREA METCALF:

“The City thanks the Federal Government for this funding, which together with a $1M Victorian Government Living Libraries grant and $1.3M from the City, will deliver a much-needed community hub in Heathcote.

“Existing buildings will be expanded and adapted to create an accessible, multi-purpose space that can provide greater access to services and support diverse community interests, acting as a meeting place, somewhere to do business, and a place to learn and connect with others.

“With our funding partners, we look forward to delivering a flexible hub that encourages participation in all aspects of community life.”