Beechworth Visitor Centre Redevelopment

The Victorian Coalition Government is investing $38,000 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to redesign and improve the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, announced today.

Mr Ryan said the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre – Redevelopment project would improve the layout, workspace and visitor experience at the centre, creating the highest standard of service for visitors.

“The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre drives tourism income for Beechworth and surrounding towns,” Mr Ryan said.

“The centre welcomes around 90,000 visitors a year and contributes an estimated $21 million to the local economy.

Mr Bill Tilley MLA, Member for Benambra said, “established in 1995, the centre has reached capacity and is not keeping up with the changing needs of visitors, who require information to be delivered in various forms, including digitally

“This project will redevelop the building to respond to these needs and deliver a high standard of service.

“The redesign will improve staff working conditions, increase the flow of visitors through the retail area and create an inspiring space that encourages visits to spend longer exploring the region.

“Better infrastructure, facilities and services will increase visitors to the centre, and create jobs and business opportunities in the region.

“The improvements will also encourage visitors to return to Beechworth, which will generate positive flow-on effects for the local economy.”

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $50,000 Beechworth Visitor Information Centre – Redevelopment project would be provided through the Regional Growth Fund to the Indigo Shire Council, which would contribute the balance of $12,000.

“The Regional Growth Fund invests in community-led projects to boost jobs, investment and innovation in rural and regional Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“Since it was established in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has supported almost 1800 local projects in communities outside Melbourne, generating almost $2 billion of total investment.”

In Indigo Shire, the Regional Growth Fund has provided $3.1 million to 17 projects, leveraging $7.2 million in total investment. These projects include:

• $2.1 million for the $4.7 million Indigo Shire Civic Centre project;
• $420,000 for the $1.3 million Barnawartha Recreation Reserve Multipurpose Community Facility; and
• $55,800 for the $83,800 Yackandandah Hall Upgrade.

The project is expected to be complete in December 2015.

Media contact: 0439029847 tracey.holmes@parliament.vic.gov.au