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A permanent arts space and gallery in Echuca is one step closer to reality following a funding announcement of $30,000 for a feasibility study.

The Victorian Government announced the funding on Wednesday.

Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative chairperson Anne Mawson said the group was ‘‘thrilled’’ with the funding which would go towards completing two significant projects in eventually obtaining an arts space.

‘‘The first thing we need to do is to investigate and justify the need for a dedicated gallery and arts space and, secondly, we need to develop a business plan which will allow us to identify areas for funding,’’ she said.

Both tasks are hoped to be completed within three months.

Campaspe Shire Council has also committed $15,000 to the investigation, which will provide a set of recommendations on the viability of an arts space, its design requirements, set-up costs, a business model to operate the arts space gallery, potential income, operational expenses and examine the opportunities and risks.

Member for Rodney Paul Weller said the arts sector was strong in the Rodney electorate and the arts space and gallery would bring artists together to benefit the town and the arts sector in the region.

The funding comes from the Victorian Government’s $100million ‘Putting Locals First’ initiative.