Victoria Drives Tourism, Economic Recovery To Marysville
Rebuilding of Marysville and Triangle is another step closer with the Premier, John Brumby, today announcing further initiatives to drive recovery and attract tourists back to the region.
In Marysville, Mr Brumby officially opened the new Marysville Primary School and early learning facility where 33 primary school pupils and eight kindergarten children returned at the start of term two for the first time since the Black Saturday fires.
Mr Brumby congratulated the community on the progress of rebuilding the town and said their work was an inspiration to Victorians.
“We will continue to stand by communities as they recover and rebuild after the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history,” Mr Brumby said.
“The primary school and early years centre is the first major community facility to re-open in Marysville and a significant milestone for the community.
“This is the first stage of the $12.2 million community centre that will include a multi-purpose centre, indoor recreation centre and community health centre that will include facilities for a local doctor.”
Mr Brumby said the centre was one of many new community projects being developed in Marysville and the Triangle, along with the rebuilding of homes and businesses.
Other major projects underway include new community halls at Taggerty and Narbethong, the restoration of Steavenson Falls tourism infrastructure, the Marysville Heart Project, and establishment of the Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Centre and the Five Towns Trail.
Mr Brumby today also announced two new initiatives that will provide a further boost to the ongoing rebuilding of Marysville – approval of the first major stage of works for the $1.9 million Gallipoli Park redevelopment, and more than $800,000 for drainage works.
“New facilities in Gallipoli Park, including an adventure playground, gardens and a new life sculpture, will restore important recreational facilities for locals, while creating a major tourist attraction for visitors to the area,” he said.
“Gallipoli Park played a significant role during and after the tragic fires, and is an important asset to the community who have had a major role in the planning of the park projects. The park will provide an important legacy for the future.”
Work is due to begin next month on key projects including the adventure playground with play equipment for children from 0 to 12 years, shelter, seating and pathways. The figurative sculpture has been designed by local artist Bruno Torfs and will symbolise hope and renewal.
Funding for the redevelopment is being provided through grants from corporate and philanthropic donors, the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and insurance payments.
Mr Brumby also announced the Government would provide $840,000 to undertake important works to improve drainage, as part of the redevelopment of Marysville’s town centre.
Significant planning and funds have been allocated to plan, design and develop the restoration of Murchison Street and nearby areas in the centre of the township which will restore the character and heritage of key streets and be complemented by civic works such as public art, street furniture and the creation of pedestrian links.
“The restoration of the town centre has been a priority for the community and council, and the additional drainage works will minimise the risk of flooding and provide the infrastructure needed to support the rebuilding of Marysville’s commercial centre,” Mr Brumby said.
Commonwealth Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction Bill Shorten said there was exciting progress being made in Marysville.
“Given the scale and devastation of the bushfire disaster, Marysville has achieved an incredible amount in just a little over a year, but we know there is still a long way to go,” Mr Shorten said.
“Facilities like the school, and the Gallipoli Park development are a great addition to the community, and are the kind of thing that will entice new families to come and live in this beautiful part of Victoria.
“We are continuing to work with the community to rebuild community facilities, streetscapes, parks and gardens and other vital infrastructure lost in the fires.
“We believe that Marysville has a strong future, and it is facilities like this new school that will draw back residents and entice new people to live in this beautiful part of Victoria.”
The Chair of the Victorian Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Christine Nixon, said real progress was being made in the ongoing reconstruction and recovery of Marysville and surrounding communities which were devastated by the February 2009 fires, with 34 lives lost.
“Rebuilding is well underway with more than 900 building permits issued across Murrindindi for houses, buildings and sheds,” Ms Nixon said.
“We are seeing evidence of businesses coming back with the rebuilding of the post office, bed and breakfasts, cafes and the ski hire shop.
“Together we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the priorities set out by affected communities are achieved and that local communities receive the support they need for their future and will continue to work with the community and council to continue developing priority projects.”
Topics: 2010, Australia, Black Saturday Bushfires, Brumby Labor Government, bushfire, bushfire recovery, business, children, clean energy, construction, economic development, economic growth, economic recovery, Economy, education, employment, energy, environment, eocnomic development, fire, Future Economy Action Plan, Governance, government, green economy, green industries, Green Jobs, health care, homes, investment, manufacturers, Marysville, moniter, monitor, Murrindindi Shire Council, news, pre bushfire, rebuild, reconstruction, recover, regional development, Rural development, school, skills, sustainablility, tourism, tourists, urban design, Urban Design Framework, Victoria
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