Streetscape facelift for Red Cliffs

Published on 21 December 2017

The shopping precinct in Red Cliffs has been given a facelift with the recent installation of artificial lawn on the kerbside sections of footpaths in Ilex Street and Indi Avenue.

The idea was born from a group of local businesses that have been meeting with Council following the 2016 Remembrance Day storms.

The Red Cliffs area was heavily impacted by the storms, in particular buildings in the township’s main streets. Several businesses have relocated since the storm, many had stock damage and most required major clean-ups to be back in business.

Responding to a request from the business group, Council sought funding from Emergency Management Victoria to implement the streetscape rejuvenation idea.

Since the 2016 storms, Council has dedicated staff to assist recovery within the community, in addition to the recovery of Council roads, buildings and other assets.

Council’s Community Recovery Executive Officer Kerryne McClelland said: “It’s been wonderful working with engaged businesses to create something positive and uplifting for the community – there’s a real buzz around town and this is just the start.”

Kerryne hasn’t only been working with businesses in her role; she has assisted eligible primary producers in receiving Clean Up and Restoration Grants as well as helped residents in both Merbein and Red Cliffs with information events and one-on-one sessions on insurance issues.

She highlighted the difficult plight of businesses impacted by last year’s storms.

“Businesses which were greatly impacted were left without any assistance and it was a hard slog for many of them to get back on their feet, so we wanted to find a way to assist,” Kerryne said.

Mildura Mayor Mark Eckel praised the resilience of Red Cliffs business owners in the face of what has been a difficult 12 months.

“For many of these business owners, last year’s Remembrance Day storm didn’t just affect their business – it affected their entire livelihoods in a matter of hours,” Cr Eckel said.

“The impacts have been much longer lasting with many still struggling to fully recover. I would encourage residents, whether they be former customers or new shoppers, to see what Red Cliffs retailers and businesses have to offer, as they’re very much open for business.”

Council’s recovery work is ongoing, and currently also involves engagement with the Merbein community, working on projects to enhance wellbeing and resilience.

The business group in Red Cliffs working with Council has a wealth of ideas to enhance their community – with their next goal to upgrade the street furniture (seating and bin enclosures) in the shopping precinct.

Council will now work with local community groups and businesses on this project. Red Cliffs businesses that wish to be involved with the streetscaping project can contact Council on (03) 5018 8614. 

Media enquiries 

Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au