A Brumby Labor Government grant of $45,970 will help the town of Wycheproof and surrounding district boost its economic growth, with a special focus on Mount Wycheproof, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today.
“The local Wycheproof community is very proactive in developing their town and the Mount Wycheproof Redevelopment project will stimulate the local economy with an infrastructure development on its biggest, or rather smallest feature, Mount Wycheproof,” Ms Broad said.
Standing 43 metres high, Mount Wycheproof is the smallest registered mountain in the world and is known as a tourist draw card for the local township and district of Buloke.
“The development at the Mountain will encourage more tourists and bring financial resources to sustain businesses and keep them viable,” Ms Broad said.
“With 12 years of drought behind them, it is important that the community of Wycheproof develops and increases financial income though as many avenues as possible.”
Key features in the redevelopment of the mountain area include walking tracks, eco-toilet facilities, water tanks, signage and a sheltered barbecue area.
Adding to the new works will be a unique iron sculpture made from railway ‘dog spikes’ uniting the town’s two major attractions; the mountain and the railway line running through the town.
“Many tourists leave this town with ‘I conquered the World’s Smallest Mountain’ certificates, and with events such as Music on the Mount and Dinner Under the Stars, Mount Wycheproof is a proven asset worth investing in,” Ms Broad said.
Community cash and in-kind funds have also contributed to the $61,000 project and the Buloke Shire Council is the body acting on behalf of the Wycheproof community.
Ms Broad said the project will assist the economy and create 41 temporary jobs during construction.
“Indirect employment and business growth will also occur through increased tourism and length of stay, capturing more passing traffic to this unique town,” Ms Broad said.
The Small Towns Development Fund was helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“So far, the fund has provided more than $53.3 million toward 501 community and social infrastructure projects worth more than $109.9 million right across provincial Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
Moving Forward is the Brumby Labor Government’s $502 million plan to make provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”