Wannon MP Dan Tehan announced on Monday $18,700 would be put towards a series of leadership and capacity-building workshops for the Stawell Recreation Advisory Group.

The workshops will help educate members of the community,  including representatives of all local sports clubs and community leaders, about providing input into council decision-making processes, specifically surrounding sport, recreation and leisure facilities.

“The advisory groups will learn governance and strategy development skills and get a good grasp of how to deliver major projects which the community can use and enjoy well into the future,” Mr Tehan said.

“This will lead to growth in the local tourism and hospitality industries by making the most of opportunities to stage new and bigger events in Stawell and surrounding towns.”

The leadership workshops would also provide the Stawell Recreation Advisory Group with the skills required to develop the Central Park Master Plan.

“The Master Plan will provide a blueprint for new and improved recreational infrastructure around the entire Central Park precinct through to Cato Park,” Mr Tehan said.

Northern Grampians Shire councillor Murray Emerson said the funding will help keep community members closely involved with planning decisions. 

“A big thank you to Mr Tehan and the Coalition Government for this investment which is going to provide a lot of information for those advisory group members who are going to help shape the ongoing master plan for these important community spaces within Stawell,” he said.