Tourism in Hopetoun is set to grow after upgrading of facilities at the site of the town’s two major attractions, helped by a $32,200 grant announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Along with construction of toilets, an extension to the park’s display shed and a working blacksmith shop will be built at McGinnis Park, home to the historic Corryong Homestead and the Hopetoun and District Historical Society vintage farm display.
Ms Broad said developing the park’s appeal to tourists was important because of the drought’s impact on the region’s farming community.
“This is a strategic community initiative to secure Hopetoun’s future by building on its tourism potential,” Ms Broad said.
“Providing toilet facilities and building two new attractions will enhance the experience of visiting the town.
“This investment in diversifying the town’s economy by developing community infrastructure is a sound step.”
The McGinnis Park Facilities Upgrade Project, which will be managed by Yarriambiack Shire Council, will construct:
- A amenities block with disabled access;
- An extension to the display shed to help house the growing number of restored farm equipment
- A working blacksmith shop, made from donated materials.
Ms Broad said the new facilities would boost visitors to Corryong Homestead – the home of Peter McGinnis, the first European pastoralist in the Mallee - which was believed to be the Mallee’s oldest home and the restored vintage farm machinery and artefacts.
“The region is a unique historical part of Victoria and facilities to boost visits are a very worthwhile development,” Ms Broad said.
“The local community’s initiative is highly commendable for its contribution to history as well as
developing the town’s economy away from reliance on agriculture.”
The grant is being provided under the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund initiative through Regional Development Victoria.
Ms Broad said the project typified fund initiatives which were making a big difference to small towns across provincial Victoria.