A project to build and improve community facilities and infrastructure in Goughs Bay was opened today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Representing Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan, Ms Broad said Goughs Bay was becoming increasingly popular as a ‘treechange’ destination and permanent place of residence.
“With the number of new residents moving to the area there is need for community facilities and activities that foster a sense of community, safety and connectedness for all residents,” Ms Broad said.
“The need for public gathering spaces and pathways linking key business, visitor and residential areas in Goughs Bay was identified as a priority by residents and the Mansfield Shire Council.”
The Goughs Bay Picnic Point and Pathways project involved:
- Installing a shelter, gas BBQ, picnic tables, bollards and water tank at Picnic Point;
- Developing pathways linking key business, visitor and residential sites including the general store, the boat ramp, caravan park, public toilets and new BBQ area;
- upgrading the access track to Picnic Point and formalising the parking area;
- improving signage directing visitors to BBQ facilities, public toilets and the nearby boat ramp; and
- refurbishing the public toilets adjacent to Picnic Point.
Ms Broad said that by improving visitor facilities and community infrastructure the project will help boost Goughs Bay’s reputation as a tourist destination.
“And with Mansfield Shire attracting more than 1 million visitors who generate $134 million in economic activity each year, there is great potential to capitalise on the region’s popularity,” Ms Broad said.
“It will also improve Goughs Bay’s liveability and encourage people to make the transition to permanent residency through the provision of a safe and accessible gathering space and pathways.”
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government provided $120,000 towards the Goughs Bay Picnic Point and Pathways project to Mansfield Shire Council through the Regional Development Victoria’s Small Towns Development Fund.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Broad said.
“The Goughs Bay Picnic Point and Pathways project is typical of all Small Towns Development Fund projects, which are making a big difference to small towns.”