A major makeover of Swan Hill’s main street is expected to boost tourism and economic activity under a $250,000 Victorian Government grant announced today in Swan Hill by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Increasing the attractiveness and functionality of McCrae Street will boost pedestrian activity, provide more car parking, and give better access to businesses, the Murray River and community facilities, Ms Broad said.
The grant for the $501,000 Swan Hill Rural City Council project is being provided under the Government’s Small Towns Development Fund initiative through Regional Development Victoria.
“This project will bring new life and functionality to one of the city’s most important retail precincts,” Ms Broad said.
“The streetscape works will beautify this section of the street and make parking easier, which will boost retail tenancy, employment, and tourist visits.
“The overall package of benefits will provide a major boot to the local economy.”
Ms Broad said the project, building the success of the first stage of the council’s beautification of McCrae Street, would include:
- Replacing trees with a single species to provide shade and seasonal colour;
- Realigning the kerb to create new areas for resting and outdoor eating;
- Adding shade trees within the central median strip to improve the area’s appearance and provide summer shade; and
- New paving for the road and footpath, along with better car parking conditions.
Ms Broad said increasing investment and population growth in the region highlighted the importance of Swan Hill having a thriving city centre.
“This initiative will enhance the city’s appeal and character and increase the potential to convert visitors to residents.”
Ms Broad said tourism last year attracted more than 20,000 people to Swan Hill.
Regional and Rural Development Minister, Jacinta Allan said the project typified initiatives supported by the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund which were making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Allan said.
The fund has provided $40.2 million toward 423 community and social infrastructure projects worth $87.8 million across provincial Victoria, Ms Allan said.