The famous natural features of Red Cliffs will be spotlighted under a works program backed by a $65,000 Brumby Labor Government grant.
Announcing the grant today in Red Cliffs, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said better defining the town’s main entrance would capture the attention of travellers on the Calder Highway and attract more visitors.
Ms Broad said a four-part works program would revitalise the town, which began life as Australia’s largest soldier settlement irrigation district.
“This is a comprehensive works program that will boost tourism and the town’s aesthetic appeal,” Ms Broad said.
“The entrance and ‘in town’ beautification initiatives are an important step in promoting the town’s famous red cliffs and attracting increased tourism traffic through the town centre.
“This will build on Red Cliffs’ natural features and highlight its shady and green centre that is renowned throughout the region.”
Ms Broad said the works designed to feature the town’s natural attractions would be backed up by improving and extending dining opportunities.
The $100,000 Red Cliffs Identified initiative by Mildura Rural City Council will include:
- Constructing a large garden area and signage at the town’s main entrance on the Calder Highway;
- Beautifying Indi Avenue median strip and installing an automated water supply to irrigate new garden beds and grape vines;
- Planting 12 tall growing trees for additional shade and installing root barriers and a water supply;
- Widening the Ilex St footpath in front of three food businesses to extend outdoor dining along with decorative paving, umbrellas and screens.
Ms Broad said the grant was from the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund which was helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
She said the project typified fund initiatives, which were making a big difference to small towns.