A new network of walking tracks in Yarriambiack Shire is now open for use, giving visitors even greater reason to stop and enjoy the beauty of the region.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria, Danielle Green, today officially opened the new tracks which were completed with $112,200 from the Andrews Labor Government.
The project used local contractors to develop the five walking tracks at Rabl Park, Murtoa, Minyip Bushlands Reserve and at Minyip Wetlands, Cronomby Tanks, Woomelang and at Turkey Bottom Ponds, Yaapeet.
At Murtoa, a 700-metre track circles the Rabl Park wetlands, a 400-metre Minyip bushlands track links up with the town centre and a 1.2 kilometre Minyip wetlands track near the caravan park has also been upgraded.
At Woomelang, a 750-metre track runs around the Cronomby Tanks, a wetlands area created for wildlife. Bollards are being positioned to stop vehicles damaging the track. And the 360 metre track at Yaapeet will meander around the Turkey Bottom Ponds wetland.
The walking tracks will be used by up to 15 community groups and visitors to the shire, designed to stimulate community interaction, boost tourism and improve local amenity.
The Labor Government partnered with Yarriambiack Shire in the project in recognition of the economic benefits tourists bring to the region. The tracks are accessible to travellers and caravaners, allowing visitors to rest and explore the area.
Funding for the project was provided through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund as part of the Government’s $27 million Drought Response Package to seasonal conditions. Yarriambiack Shire also invested $17,000 which was matched by funding from community groups in Murtoa, Minyip, Woomelang and Yapeet.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“This project will support the growth of tourism in Yarriambiack and give locals somewhere to get together - and that’s important in any rural town.”
“The Andrews Labor Government got behind this project when the region was heavily impacted by drought, in a show of our ongoing support for community resilience and in making regional Victoria an even better place to live, visit and invest in.”
“These walking tracks are something everyone can enjoy and will bring families together and more tourists to the heart of our Wimmera Mallee region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020