24 Feb 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Justin Jenvey Shires $500,000 windfall for streetscape makeover POREPUNKAHS main street makeover has been gifted a half million dollar windfall on the eve of the project starting. On Monday, Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced $500,000 in Victorian Government funding for PorepunkahsAlpine Better Places project which will improve pedestrian links between Nicholson Street and the riverfront. Alpine Shire Council previously secured half a million dollars from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund for Brights Mafeking Square upgrade, which started earlier this month. Council also received $618,000 from the Federal Government for the $1.7 million Porepunkah project which will begin this week. Council director of assets, Charlie Bird, said the funding boost was another win for council. Its a really good outcome for the Porepunkah community, he said. The project will see some significant changes with the removal of the service lane in Nicholson Street making room for more open space in the centre of town. Therell be a number of other streetscape enhancements including the addition of a new barbecue and picnic shelter and a viewing platform over the Ovens River. Mr Bird said works will start with the service lane between the general store and the pub, with the demolition of the existing kerb and pavements followed by construction of the newly aligned kerbs and driveways. Ms Symes said the improvements would increase the attractiveness of the town for locals, visitors and investors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.