Creswick's Forest Resort proposes theme park, casino, brewery

A THEME park, casino, medical centre and lifestyle village are part of a $1 billion proposal to further develop Creswick's Forest Resort.The vision put to Hepburn Shire Council two weeks ago has not yet been approved or supported. The land proposed for the development, which also includes a winery, brewery, outdoor activity centre and housing, is currently operated by HVP Plantations under a forestry licence.Forest Resort owner and developer Jim Walsh said the concept was based on the existing project, which provided a 10-year vision for the resort."The resort has been open for 12 months, but we are considered an international venue and we need to compete on an international stage," Mr Walsh said."We're looking at creating a unique lifestyle and entertainment venue that will allow the resort to capture an international and interstate clientele."We are wanting to attract people here for a week, not a night."Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Tim Hayes said the council had agreed to discuss the broad concept with relevant State Government departments and consult with the Creswick community about the proposal.He said development of land south of Forest Resort would require council and State Government approval and would include public participation.If approved, the development would create between 500 and 600 jobs and inject $20 million into the local economy.Mr Walsh said management was working with the State Government because it was classified as a significant project."We want to position the council so it doesn't lose control. We are still working close to try and assist council to be part of the process."It's very important for council to be proactive and provide feedback in a timely manner ... a project like this does not come along very often and there needs to be strict time lines or this investment might go to Queensland."Mr Walsh said the project would involve an engineer to sustainably develop the proposed site, which could include a wind farm."The pine plantation will be reinstated and the koala habitat increased. It will create an opportunity for a carbon sink," he said.Forest Resort was proposed seven years ago when the Creswick Golf Club was in financial difficulty.Mr Walsh floated the idea of a rescue package for the land to be developed with housing, a hotel and supporting development.