Liberal Indi candidate Steve Martin has committed $250,000 to a new hall for the 1st Myrtleford Scouts Group if the Coalition government is re-elected, seven months after Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy made a similar announcement.
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Nearly two years ago, the scouts moved out of the 67-year-old Barwidgee Creek Hall.
The hall was moved to the area by truck in the 1960s and, compromised by age and flood-related damage, was condemned by Alpine Council after a part of the floor caved in.
Ahead of the Victorian election last year, the Nationals committed to $250,000 for a hall on the grounds of the P-12 College, where the scouts are currently based, utilising a hall and a shipping container.
Mr Martin was aware of the previous pledge but said a new Scouts hall had come up as a priority for him through his '50 towns in 50 days' consultation.
"(This announcement) gives them the confidence to commence the detailed planning," he said.
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"This is a really good starting point, it may be that through council contribution, Scouts Victoria or the state government, they're able to do the full facility they would like to build.
"It's great news for the scouts, but also for the other 10 community groups that have expressed their support for the project."
With a rebuild required, $250,000 might not cover the entire cost of the sort of hall and community centre envisaged.
1st Myrtleford Scouts Group group leader Bernadette Hays said the ideal location would be where the hall currently is off Lewis Avenue, which would require appropriate flood mitigation planning.
"We're hoping it would be a scout and community facility and we have 13 letters of support from different groups," she said.
"We're all really happy to have Steve on our side with this because it has been ongoing.
"It will definitely kick-start the project and hopefully we'll have a new home soon."
Despite being essentially homeless, the 1st Myrtleford Scouts Group has maintained a strong membership in the 50s with group members achieving accolades such as the Australian Scout Medallion.
Nationals candidate Mark Byatt said he had been in Myrtleford a number of times to speak with stakeholders.
"The Nationals understand that for towns with a small population base, finding the money to do major maintenance work is beyond the financial reach of many.
"We've already put money towards a new scout hall in Alexandra through the Building Better Regions Fund, it would be great to do the same in Myrtleford.
"A new, permanent home for Myrtleford scouts would be most welcome. The Nationals have committed to it at a state level and I will continue to lobby for it Federally."
