A community meeting room and outdoor space will be built for Benloch residents as the state government continues to fund priority projects in the wake of a major bushfire last October.
Environment Minister Lisa Neville met with residents on Monday, also announcing a feasibility study to determine how to address the mobile phone black spots that plague the area.
Ms Neville said the government would fund the construction of a new facility at Benloch’s CFA station, expected to cost up to $100,000.
‘‘The Lancefield-Cobaw fire had a significant affect on the local economy and resilience of local residents,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s important we continue to invest in new and upgraded facilities for the area.’’
In November, an inquiry found the 266-hectare planned burn that ignited on September 30 had been “inadequately resourced” from the start. It broke containment lines on October 3 and again on October 6.
Almost 3000 hectares were eventually engulfed.
Four houses, 25 sheds and many kilometres of fencing were destroyed.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the commitment to look at the area’s mobile phone problems, which caused significant difficulties and confusion during and after last October’s blaze.
‘‘The Benloch community has identified poor mobile phone coverage as a significant issue of concern,’’ she said.
‘‘We know the community has faced difficult times, so it’s important we continue to assist them in their ongoing recovery efforts.’’
A progress report released in February found that one recommendation and three commitments from the inquiry had already been delivered, with the rest on track, most of which have a due date of July this year.
