Promised cash at risk http://www.leadernews.com.au/article/2008/02/12/29399_fpv_news.html Zoe Lewis, 12Feb08 Gordon Richardson president of the Sherbrooke Art Society says the gallery needs cash to repair it's Belgrave building. VITAL funding for two hills projects remains in limbo following the Rudd Government coming to power. Despite La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood clinging to his seat, the changing of the government guard has meant some funding promises may now be broken. And these include money for noxious weeds control and for desperately needed refurbishment of a Belgrave art gallery. The Sherbrooke Art Society had applied for a $200,000 federal grant to refurbish its heritage-listed building, which has dry rot and other problems. Mr Wood said last week he had ``heard via the grapevine'' that the society's application for $200,000 funding had been knocked back. ``They can re-submit their application but I can't see much love coming from this government,'' Mr Wood said. But Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government spokesman Thomas Parkes said the society's federal grant was still under consideration and he ``wouldn't guess'' at a time frame for a decision. He said the grant was applied for under the Regional Partnerships scheme, which was one of many programs being reviewed by the Rudd Government. Society president Gordon Richardson said without federal funding, the society would only just be able to cover the cost of refurbishing the building. He said he was ``pessimistic'' about the federal funding coming through. In October last year, Mr Wood announced $456,000 in funding to develop controls for the noxious weed, wandering trad. But last week, he said he believed the funding was in danger of being scrapped. A Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts spokeswoman confirmed the issue needed to be considered by the new minister and a decision was likely to be made by May. Do you think the new government should fund these projects? Email us at freepress@leadernewspapers.com.au.