The Andrews Labor Government today celebrated the opening of the Learmonth Pathway to Growth Project – a major initiative that upgrades Lake Learmonth delivering jobs and boosting tourism to the Central Goldfields region.
The upgrades to the five-kilometre path network will see lake foreshore improvements, a regional lookout, a bird-hide structure, a rotunda and the installation of a new piece of public art celebrating a local migratory bird, the ibis.
The revitalisation project showcases the natural beauty of the area and the richness of its culture. It also links the lake and its surrounds with the town and local businesses.
It boosts more than two kilometres of pathways along Lake Learmonth to create a loop from the lake back to the highway, which directs walkers to the town centre.
Barcode signage installed along the pathways allows visitors to access information about local buildings, flora and fauna and the history of Lake Learmonth, the Learmonth Cemetery and the Learmonth Avenue of Honour.
The Victorian Government provided a $415,000 grant to the Ballarat City Council to deliver the $680,000 revitalisation project. Council contributed $250,000 to the project and the passionate Learmonth community also provided $15,000.
A team of more than 30 Learmonth residents, including members of local sporting, cultural and community groups, worked together to finalise the scope and initial design of the project.
The Learmonth Pathway to Growth Project will be a major tourism attraction to the region, and is a win-win for Ballarat residents, with the Council predicting to the population to increase by more than 40,000 over the next 20 years.
More than 60 people were engaged over the course of project since construction began in February of last year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Regional Victoria deserves the best of everything and that’s why the Andrews Government is supporting projects like this to help communities showcase their rich, natural and cultural assets to attract visitors and new residents alike.”
“We are proud to deliver this major upgrade to Lake Learmonth that will serve the residents of the Ballarat region for years to come and bring tourists to our stunning region.”
“The Learmonth Pathway to Growth project is an example of State Government working with local government and community to achieve the best outcome for all involved.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020