Rebekha welcomes $3M in Building Better Regions Funding

An injection of more than $3 million in Federal funds to boost tourism and help the local community in Mayo has been welcomed by local MP Rebekha Sharkie.

The funding was recently announced under Round 5 of the Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) and covers six projects ranging from $20,000 to renovate the Myponga Memorial Hall to more than $2 million to build 23 cabins at the District Council of Yankalilla’s accommodation site at Normanville.

“COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on our tourism industry which has really felt the brunt of the sudden drop in international visitors plus interstate border closures and restrictions, so I am really pleased to see the Commonwealth's commitment to building stronger regional communities with investment in tourism infrastructure,” Rebekha said.

“I wrote letters of support for many of the successful applications, including two projects put forward by the Yankalilla Council, so I know these grants will drive the economic growth our region needs into the future.

"The Federal Government has committed a significant amount of funding to support the Yankaillia Council’s plans to improve tourism accommodation at Normanville.

"For a small council such as Yankalilla, this is a huge co-investment by the Federal Government and recognises the enormous value of our Fleurieu Coast to regional South Australia.

"The horse-drawn tram is an absolute icon of the South Coast and the horses are much-loved locals so a new home for the horses is well deserved and long overdue."

Successful projects funded in Mayo include:

• $2,045,450 to the District Council of Yankalilla for its $4,090,900 project to building 23 holiday cabins at its Normanville accommodation.
• $210,000 to the District Council of Yankalilla for a $420,000 project to construct new amenities at Rapid Bay Jetty.
• $147,612 Girl Guides South Australia for their $295,224 project to build new accommodation at their Tuckerway and Douglas Scrub Campsites at Blewitt Springs.
• $400,000 to the Milang And District Community Association for their $480,000 project to restore the Manager's Residence at the historic Milang Lakeside Butter Factory to serve as administrative and training hub for the colonial era precinct.
• $203,000 to the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Authority for its $406,000 project to construct horse stables and a visitor centre for the Victor Harbor Horse Tram.
• $20,000 to the Myponga Memorial Hall for its $45,561 project to renovate the interior and exterior infrastructure.

"The Old Butter Factory has such historical importance to Milang. Many people don’t know that between 1860 and 1880 Milang was one of South Australia’s busiest ports, connecting Adelaide with the thriving river trade which reached into the heart of the three Eastern colonies," Rebekha said.

"Wool from the Darling and Upper Murray stations landed at Milang to be transported by horse and bullock teams to Port Adelaide.

"Wheat was transported to Milang, processed at its flour mills and then shipped back as flour. The renovation and repurposing of the Old Butter Factory will ensure it retains its historical importance while shaping a bright new future is very exciting.

"The renovation and repurposing of the Old Butter Factory is a very exciting project. It will ensure the factory retains its historical importance while shaping a bright new future.”