- Includes $2.8M development at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens
- A new $3M visitors centre and family-friendly fish-out pond will be built near Shepparton
- Victorian Government hopes the projects boosts economic activity in regional Victoria
The 30 new infrastructure projects will cost $46 million with funding derived from the $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package.
The State Government says it will create immediate jobs in construction that will drive visitation and employment to regional Vicotria.
Projects include a development at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens in Olinda. A $2.8 million investment will bring Melbourne landscaper designer Philip Johnson’s Australian Garden to life. Previously this display won the ‘Best in Show’ prize at the famed Royal Horticultural Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.
The precinct already welcomes more than 190,000 visitors annually.
“Victoria has many natural appeals but the main reason we lead the country in tourism is because we invest in our attractions and its people.”
“These projects will add vibrancy to local communities and ensure ongoing jobs while providing important immediate impetus through construction work.”
Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
$3.5 million will go to upgrades along the Bellarine Railway with a further $2.3 million to improve facilities at the Warburton Redwoods Experience.
Near Shepparton, $3 million will go towards a Victorian Fisheries Authority hatchery for a new visitors centre which will feature a family-friendly fish-out pond.
$1 million will go towards the second stage of the Haunted Hills mountain bike park at Yallourn.
An all accessibility and sculpture trail in Bacchus Marsh will receive $1.6 million in funding which includes the installation of new artworks to capitalise on the 360-degree views from Bald Hill.
“We’re investing in the great outdoors to ensure more Victorians can access nature with their families and help our regional communities recover.”
Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change
