Tourism boost for Fyans
Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford has used a visit to Stawell and Ararat districts to open a new walking track and interactive parkland around Lake Fyans.
Ms Pulford joined Northern Grampians Shire, Gwmwater and Lake Fyans Recreational Area Committee representatives at the official opening.
The State Government provided $187,500 towards the project, which Ms Pulford said was a win for regional tourism and jobs.
She said the development would encourage more people to visit the popular holiday spot at the foot of the Grampians.
The project included a 9.6-kilometre walking track around the perimeter of Lake Fyans, with fencing, shade shelters, upgraded and new toilets, signs, nature trails and bird trails.
The project supported nine constructions and a further three ongoing jobs.
Ms Pulford said figures showed Lake Fyans contributed more than $7.7-million annually to the regional economy and the project was expected to create a 15 percent boost in visitor numbers.
“The new track will help preserve cultural heritage locations and native vegetation in the south-east part of the lake shore by limiting motor vehicle and motorbike access to the water in highly sensitive areas,” she said. “It will better connect the recreational, cultural and natural heritage of the lake surrounding Lake Fyans Holiday Park so visitors can enjoy all the lake has to offer.
“Splinter tracks off the main trail encourage walkers to explore the diverse plant life, observe the rich fauna activity and to preserve the cultural heritage of the Djab Wurrung Nation.”
Ms Pulford said the project complemented the Grampians Peaks Trail project by promoting the greater region as a place to enjoy the nature and beauty of the Grampians by foot and bicycle.
“Lake Fyans is the most popular lake in the Wimmera, with more than 22,000 visitors staying overnight in the past two years alone – our investment is sure to boost those figures in years to come,” she said.
“We know the importance of tourism to regional Victoria, because put simply it creates jobs – that’s why the government continues to invest in making our iconic tourist hotspots better to enjoy year round and provide important jobs for locals.”
Ms Pulford also used the regional visit to announce the $3.4-million new bridge across the Hopkins River at Rossbridge, south of Ararat, was complete.
She said the work was a win for residents, farmers and freight carriers who relied on the bridge.
“The upgrade will boost safety and increase freight capacity for the region, with the new bridge better equipped to handle the traffic and heavy vehicle volumes that rely on this road every day,” she said.
Works to widen the approaches to the bridge started in July and the Mortlake-ararat Road has been closed since.
The new bridge replaces two bridges built more than 60 years ago.