Local MPs and community leaders are expressing delight after half a million dollars was committed to a rebuild of the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Friday, January 30th that $500,000 will be put toward the project, jointly contributed by the Commonwealth and Victorian government.
The facility was among several buildings destroyed in the bushfire that ravaged Harcourt and surrounding areas on January 9th.
Prior to its loss, over 90 businesses in the region relied on the Harcourt Cool Store to keep apples, pears, seed potatoes, wine, craft beer and beehives at appropriate temperatures.
Among those welcoming the cash is Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters.
“Funding to help kick-start the rebuild of the Harcourt Cool Store is critical to helping the local and much-loved apple, wine, cider and craft beer industry recover from this devastating loss,” Ms Chesters said in a statement.
State Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards said the funding will “directly support residents and businesses to get back on track.”
“We want to build back better, and funding to support the Harcourt Cool Store will ensure that can happen as quickly as possible,” Ms Edwards said.
Also pleased is Harcourt Progress Association spokesperson Michael Henry, who told the Wake Up Call that the funding was “brilliant news” and a “large portion” of what was needed to get the business re-started.
Meantime, support remains available for those impacted by the bushfire.
A Recovery Hub is operating at the Harcourt Leisure Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays between 11am and 3pm, and a distribution centre at 5 Johnstone St, Castlemaine (a.k.a the former Mitsubishi Motors dealership) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.
More information can be found by visiting the Harcourt Progress Association website.
