State Government funds upgrade of Geraldton crematorium

22/3/06
Mid-West Minister Kim Chance today announced State Government funding towards the cost of a major upgrade to the crematorium at the Geraldton Cemetery.
Mr Chance said a $100,000 grant to the Geraldton Cemetery Board was part of $500,000 in funding allocated to Mid-West projects in the latest round of the Mid West Regional Development Scheme, which supports projects that contribute to the economic and social development of the Mid-West.
The Minister said the Geraldton Crematorium upgrade was an impressive project that would have a significant impact on the entire Mid-West region.
"The Geraldton Cemetery offers the only crematorium service in the State north of Perth and people from all across this large region choose to farewell loved ones there," he said.
"At the moment, the crematorium facility is basic - the pergola structure is open to the elements and there is limited seating for mourners. The upgraded all-weather facility will be a vast improvement, with the capacity to cater for more than 300 people in comfort."
Mr Chance said the 19 projects successful in the current round of the Mid West Regional Development Scheme showed how beneficial the program was to the region (full list below).
"The Shire of Carnamah will receive $51,000 towards creating a multi-purpose community centre, while in Meekatharra, more than $30,000 of Regional Development Scheme funding will help the shire to develop a series of self-guided driving and walking tourist trails," he said.
"This project includes the construction of what promises to be a spectacular 70m suspension bridge across a disused mining pit."
The Mid West Development Commission has allocated more than $2million of Regional Development Scheme funding during the past five years to projects producing benefits for the region.
Commission chairman Laurie Graham said he was pleased with the quality of projects funded in the latest round of the scheme.
"Through this scheme, the commission is able to provide invaluable financial and planning support to communities and developing industries all across the region," Mr Graham said.
Mr Chance said the funding was an example of the State Government's commitment to ensuring regional Western Australia received its fair share.
Minister's Office - 9213 6700

A total of 19 projects were allocated funding from round five of the Mid West Regional Development Scheme. The other recipients were:
Northern Agri Group - $17,000 to evaluate the best value small-scale biodiesel manufacturing technology available and to produce a handbook 'The Guide to Regional Biodiesel Production'.
Shire of Greenough - $15,000 towards the first stage of the development of a series of themed and interpreted walk trails in the Greater Geraldton area.
Shire of Greenough - $10,350 to upgrade the old teachers' quarters at the Greenough Hamlet and make the facility better equipped to host artists in residence.
Shire of Northampton - $10,000 to conduct a community census.
Carob Growers Co-operative - $15,000 to develop a business plan for the establishment of a processing plant in the Geraldton area.
City of Geraldton - $20,500 contribution to the construction of a lookout over Pages Beach at the recently completed intersection of Willcock Drive and Marine Terrace.
Shire of Mt Magnet - $18,000 towards the cost of a shed for the Mount Magnet Museum that will protect and display valuable historical items currently stored in the open.
Pilaru-nyu Aboriginal Corporation - $5,000 towards a series of interpretive signs and interactive cultural booth for tourists visiting the Hutt River.
Shire of Perenjori - $30,000 towards a project that will refurbish and revitalise Perenjori's caravan park.
Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation - $8,000 for the development and manufacture of interpretive signs for Gunnado Farm.
Country Arts WA - $20,000 towards its program to improve arts and cultural services and program delivery in Mid-West towns.
Western Australian Council of Social Services - $5,000 to enhance the sustainability of the Mid West Community Services Network.
Shire of Morawa - $35,000 towards the cost of purchasing and installing two new chalets at Morawa's caravan park.
For more information, contact Neil Condon, A/Assistant Director, Mid West Development Commission on 9921 0704.

+ + + + +