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Bringing Eastern Victoria's next tourism wonder to life

The Allan Labor government is boosting Eastern Victoria's tourism with $200,000 for the Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc. This project is part of the $170 million Enabling Tourism Fund to enhance regional attractions.

By news@gippsland - 23rd August 2024 - Back to News

Eastern Victoria Region will have even more amazing tourist attractions for people to visit with exciting local projects getting off the ground thanks to the Allan Labor government. Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing today welcomed the announcement that the Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc is set to receive $200,000 as part of the Labor government's Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.

The Enabling Tourism Fund 2024 is investing up to $8 million to help regional Victorian tourism projects reach investment-ready status through grants for feasibility studies, master planning, and design

Boosting regional tourism

This project will develop a comprehensive business case for the reconstruction, commercial operation, and income diversification of the Erica-Thomson section of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway. This project is one of 29 new infrastructure projects across the state's regional and rural areas benefiting from the Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.

The Enabling Tourism Fund is part of a $170 million investment to create more local jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more people to the incredible experiences on offer across regional Victoria. The grants of up to $500,000 will support regional tourism projects to reach investment-ready status by funding feasibility studies and designing future infrastructure.

The Fund is helping strengthen and grow Victoria's tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor government's Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan. The plan outlines five priority areas that leverage Victoria's competitive advantages - including First Peoples'-led experiences, Wellness, Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, and Nature. All projects awarded funding under the Enabling Tourism Fund demonstrate alignment with these priorities. To see a complete list of the Enabling Tourism Fund projects, visit Victoria State Government website.

Gippsland's economic boost

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "This funding is a huge win for Gippsland and the Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc. It will not only create local jobs in the area for the future but will also deliver many economic benefits across the region."

"Creating new and exciting tourism infrastructure projects across Eastern Victoria will go a long way to strengthen our world-class tourism offering - ensuring a strong local economy well into the future," Ms Shing said.

Pictures from Walhalla Goldfields Railway website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
  Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households.
• Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Gippsland Water launches $12.2M Dutson Downs expansion boosting organics processing, compost output, and sustainability
  Gippsland Water officially opened a $12.2 million Dutson Downs expansion, boosting organics processing by 40%, increasing compost production, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and supporting Gippsland’s environmental and economic sustainability.
• Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
  The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government.
• East Gippsland opens Lakes Entrance changing places facility, boosting accessibility, inclusion, and community participation
  East Gippsland Shire Council and partners opened a Lakes Entrance Changing Places facility, providing fully accessible toilets, changerooms, and showers, enhancing inclusion, dignity, and community participation for people with disabilities.
• Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
  Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
  East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.