The Andrews Labor Government will partner with Bass Coast Shire Council to revitalise central Cowes, grow the visitor economy, improve business confidence, and enhance community pride in Phillip Island.
A Request for Quote will soon be put to market to upgrade the Jetty Triangle and create a Transit Centre – boosting the number of visitors, how much they spend and how long they stay.
The project will transform the Jetty Triangle into a grass-terraced area for community events, festivals and markets. The new space will be an attractive and people-friendly space for everyone to enjoy.
The new transit centre will enable cars and coaches to move in and out of central Cowes more easily, and create more than 100 extra long-term car parks.
As well as benefiting locals, the Cowes revitalisation project will support the growing number of visitors coming to Phillip Island as a result of the major improvements to the popular Penguin Parade.
The Labor Government is investing $48.2 million in the development of the Phillip Island Nature Park Visitor Centre, which will boost tourism and create jobs.
The visitor economy is crucial to the future economic development of regional and rural Victoria, contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs every year.
Funding for the project will be confirmed during Request for Quote process, and will be provided through the Labor Government’s $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Locals want these upgrades and we’re getting on with the job of delivering them.”
“We want locals and visitors alike to have the best experience possible when they visit Cowes. That’s why we’re investing in this project to improve traffic flow and develop great outdoor spaces.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Our Government knows Phillip Island residents want to be supported as locals, in addition to the massive efforts being made to attract even more visitors to the Island and create jobs that come with that tourism.”
“The community told us what they wanted. That’s why the Andrews Government will help Bass Coast Shire fund these important improvements in Cowes.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020