MARYBOROUGH’S tourism industry is set to receive a significant boost following funding commitments – and one proposal – for a series of new projects.
The Central Goldfields Shire was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Department of Primary Industries to build a boardwalk on Lake Victoria, with the council to put in the other $50,000.
The Maryborough Caravan Park will also benefit from a new amenities and facilities block as part of $600,000 of flood recovery funding from the state government.
The fire tower at the old fire station – now the art gallery – is also set to be refurbished, however the council is still hoping to receive funding to restore the tower to its original glory.
“Tourism is a by-product of so many other things,” Mayor Paula Nixon said.
“When you have the infrastructure that everyone needs and interesting things for people to do when they come to the shire, all of the things we do when we get these grants make a huge difference.
“In terms of the boardwalk, obviously it’s Lake Victoria and it’s not for swimming, but once it’s in place we can stock the lake with fish and it’s one more thing families can do together.”
Cr Nixon said she expected the boardwalk to be completed by this time next year, while the caravan park and fire tower projects were less predictable.
“We’ve got something to offer everyone in Maryborough,” Cr Nixon said.
“We’re promoting livability, it’s a wonderful place to live because we’ve got the infrastructure and the activities and all the other things that people might need.”
evan.schuurman@thecourier.com.au
