Millions needed for tourism project

A $19 million funding pitch to improve tourism opportunities in the Mt Baw Baw region was a main point of discussion during a One Gippsland delegation to Canberra last week.

The delegation met with a number of ministers and senior advisors to present an advocacy package outlining regional priorities.

One Gippsland is a collaborative advocacy and engagement initiative bringing Gippsland’s key stakeholder groups together to form one united voice.

The campaign was launched five years ago to pursue funding and support required to implement the initiatives of the Gippsland Regional Plan—a joint initiative collectively overseen by the Gippsland Local Government Network, Regional Development Australia Gippsland and the Committee for Gippsland.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci was a part of last week’s delegation, taking the opportunity to lobby for shire and regional issues including funding for the West Gippsland Hospital, kindergartens, road networks, job creation, and infrastructure for key tourism destinations.

Cr Gauci said there were four key issues – job creation, tourism, road connectivity and digital connectivity.

One project that ticked all the boxes and was a priority for the delegation was a bid to secure $19 million federal government funding to boost the Mountain Rivers area.

Cr Gauci said the project had already secured $19 million state government funding and the delegation put forward a strong pitch for the federal government to match the funding.

He said the project included extending the railway from Walhalla to Erica; electricity generation on Mt Baw Baw; sealing of South Face Rd between Erica and Mt Baw Baw; and extension of the Long Tunnel Mine at Walhalla.

“The focus of the plan is to tap into Mt Baw Baw’s green tourism potential including bike riding and hiking.

“If the funding is committed, it is work that can begin straight away,” he said.

Cr Gauci said the project would generate 100 jobs during the construction phase and 500 ongoing jobs.

The delegation met with a number of ministers and senior advisors within tourism, regional infrastructure, trade and regional services portfolios.

Cr Gauci said the demand for more kindergarten services was particularly Baw Baw Shire focussed because of the growth experienced in this part of the region.

He said One Gippsland recognised the growth figures in Baw Baw Shire supported the need for more infrastructure like kindergartens.