The Andrews Labor Government is helping to further activate Echuca, supporting a new plan for the redevelopment of the Riverfront Entertainment Precinct.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today visited Echuca to announce the Labor Government will provide $150,000 for a business case and design work to redevelop the precinct, which is home to community events such as Carols by Candlelight, the Winter Blues and the Riverboats Music Festivals.
The business case and design works will investigate improving river access, upgrading pedestrian tracks along the river and better facilities in Aquatic Reserve to support events.
The investment comes from the Labor Government’s $103 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which is designed to grow regional Victoria’s visitor economy and boost local tourism jobs.
Echuca currently attracts almost 800,000 visitors a year and is already undergoing significant redevelopment including at its most visited riverside park, Riverboat Dock – supported by $1.3 million from the Victorian Government.
The former kiosk building has now been redeveloped as part of stage one of the project, and will soon be leased so visitors and the community can look forward to relaxing a coffee with river views.
Other works underway in the Riverboat Dock area include improved car parking and mooring for boats, and the establishment of an inviting community open space, perfect for family gatherings and picnics.
The funding announced today will go towards planning the next major area of the riverfront requiring attention – the Echuca Entertainment Precinct, which includes the Aquatic Reserve and Onion Patch areas.
Consultants Urban Enterprise will undertake the business case which will build on existing concept plans and make recommendations on a range of opportunities, including infrastructure and public space improvements. The process to appoint a planning and design consultant will soon commence.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“The Echuca Riverfront is a great asset to one of our historic tourist towns – and it’s exciting to announce the next phase of the riverfront’s development to bring more visitors to Echuca as well as creating fantastic new facilities for the community.”
“Echuca is already home to some fantastic events like the Riverboats Music Festival – and this business case will look at the kinds of facilities that can be put in place to help the town secure more events into the future.
Reviewed 19 August 2020