Large corporate conferences and regional sporting events are expected in Birchip after a major community venue upgrade backed by a $170,000 Brumby Labor Government grant.
Birchip Community Leisure Centre will become the leading regional tourism venue in the district, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today.
Announcing the grant in Birchip, Ms Broad said the works would begin a new era for the centre and boost employment.
“This project will allow businesses and government departments to use one of the best facilities of its type in regional Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“The new first class facility will be a centre for hosting large conferences and seminars.
“The expected higher use will contribute to the centre’s viability and boost the local economy, especially the retail sector.”
Ms Broad said the project would provide a range of work for local trades people and for catering, hospitality, cleaning and business management providing services to the completed centre.
Construction is expected to take six months, giving employment to five people and later opportunities for farmers seeking work because of the drought.
“Electricians, carpenters, concreters, and cabinetmakers from the region will be employed during construction,” Ms Broad said.
“Local businesses and community groups will provide catering for events at the upgraded centre and local bands, music groups and associated businesses will provide most of the entertainment.
“The flow-on activity will provide important employment opportunities for the wider community.”
The $228,635 project works by Buloke Shire Council will include:
- extending the front entrance so it can be used as a viewing area for tourists and an alfresco area for functions;
- building a small viewing area between the main facility and the existing detached building to create a glassed double story glass structure for use by media;
- installing audio-visual equipment
- installing an area will facilities to safely cater for young children in tourist groups.
The grant is from the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund, through Regional Development Victoria.