General News
18 June, 2026
Funds flow for region’s tiny towns
A STATE Government commitment to bolster the future of tiny towns will see two Moyne Shire projects share in more than $55,000.
THE Victorian Government last week announced projects across the region will share in round three of the $20 million Tiny Towns fund.
Included in the funding announcement was $20,700 for the Mortlake Market Square safety upgrade and $35,769 for the refurbishment of the Framlingham Community Hall.
Moyne Shire Council mayor Jordan Lockett joined shire chief executive officer Mark Eversteyn and deputy mayor councillor Myra Murrihy in meeting Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora last week to celebrate the funding announcement.
Cr Lockett said he was thrilled for the projects to secure funding.
“Fencing to keep our playground users, especially our kids, safe is the focus of the Mortlake project and was the priority project identified by the community as part of the Market Square Masterplan development,” he said.
“Our tiny towns really are the heartbeat of our shire and to have their key projects funded is incredibly special.”
The draft plan for the Mortlake Market Square landscape included the potential for the expansion of the existing playground through to the corner of Townsend and Officer Street, with surrounding gardens, fencing and a sitting wall to enclose the area.
Additional benches and picnic seating would also be explored.
The playground itself includes proposals for a senior and challenging play space, a nature play area and a proposed junior play space.
Townsend Street will receive a facelift as part of the project, with a proposed street path running along Market Square with expanded long-vehicle parking, bus stop relocation and footpaths better connecting the crossing area from Market Square to the corner of Stewart and Shaw Street.
The existing trees running adjacent to Townsend Street are proposed to be replaced with canopy trees more suitable for shelter, in addition to the raised mound to feature an undercover shelter and raised platform.
Shaw Street would also receive works with the potential addition of a memorial at the walkway connecting the car park, a curb outstand for crossing at Shaw Street to connect the Mortlake Pool, a potential electric vehicle charging station 80 metres from the reserve, and potential solar lighting at the existing Market Square footpath.
The rotunda and barbecue area would be retained, but the potential to open up extra sides or install information signage will be explored alongside the addition of additional picnic seating areas.
Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle said it was a proud moment to be able to invest so much back into smaller communities.
“Some of Victoria’s best communities are also our smallest, and the Tiny Towns Fund is helping make sure they have the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive,” she said.
“Labor is proud to back our smallest towns because we know strong regional communities are built through sustained investment, not cuts.”