A master plan for a Benalla community precinct “gateway” that will boost regional tourism will be developed with the help of a $50,000 grant announced today in Benalla by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
The redeveloped Mokoan wetlands and environmental centre will be a focus of the Planning for Growth initiative by Benalla Rural City Council.
An integrated visitor information centre also would boost opportunities for the region’s Ned Kelly related tourist attractions and fine food and wine under the $100,000 master plan.
“The council is taking an entrepreneurial approach and connecting to Lake Mokoan’s future popularity,” Ms Broad said.
“The Mokoan wetlands are expected to significantly boost tourism in the region and this plan aims to make create an opportunity for every local tourist attraction.
”The city will be the first point of call and entry for the influx of new visitors expected.
”An integrated visitor information centre could be a most effective gateway to all the region’s attractions.”
The master plan will explore options for establishing a community precinct that includes a visitor information centre, making a feasibility study of a library/community hub and map existing bike paths and possible links to the wetlands.
Ms Broad said the Lake Mokoan Future Land Use Strategy had identified Benalla as the first point of call and entry for up to 300,000 visitors a year.
The council aims to redevelop its library and tourist information facilities as part of a community precinct based on the redevelopment.
Ms Broad said world class wetlands at Mokoan and an environmental education centre would provide a strong platform for developing the region’s tourism potential.
The grant is being provided under the Government’s Provincial Victoria Growth Fund through Regional Development Victoria.
Ms Broad said the fund was supporting important local government change initiatives across provincial Victoria.