The iconic Maryborough Railway Station will be transformed into a bustling small business hub and popular entry point for tourists, thanks to investment from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the Gold Rush town to announce a $1.8 million grant for the historically significant building, as part of the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.
This is on top of a $50,000 investment from the Government’s Stronger Regional Communities Program that enabled the station to become the new home of the Maryborough Visitor Information Centre.
The Maryborough Railway Station Activation Project is one of the region’s highest priority projects and its transformation is already underway with a new co-working space opening to the public last month.
The new funding will help complete the transformation of the railway station building into a lively visitor and business hub, extending the cafe, visitor Information centre and the co-working spaces.
The station will also cater to tourists arriving by rail with plans to offer an immersive interpretative centre as well as multiple indoor and outdoor spaces. There will also be upgrades to pedestrian and cycling access, and more parking for larger vehicles.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round will help to revitalise local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
The fund is key to the Labor Government’s $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria unveiled in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.
The second round of the fund’s program is due to open for applications from 16 June. Under this competitive round, local regional and rural councils will be invited to apply for grants.
Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“This round of the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support the recovery of regional communities across our state and ensure Victoria continues to have our nation’s most vibrant regional economies.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“The revitalisation of the railway station will provide terrific spaces for community members and small businesses – it stands to be a significant driver of jobs growth in the region.”
Reviewed 19 May 2021