The historic Fyansford Paper Mill Precinct is set to expand and create jobs as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s ongoing investment in the Geelong and the Bellarine region.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Fyansford to announce a $1 million grant for the Fyansford Paper Mill Precinct through the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.
Built in 1878, the Paper Mill has emerged as a popular arts and cultural precinct in recent years. It houses a winery, cellar door and restaurant, function and events space, art gallery, studios, mosaic workshop, café and other artisan businesses.
The funding will be used to modernise the precinct’s septic system and connect sewerage to the nearest Barwon Water connection point. This will enable the precinct to expand and be better set up to attract new business tenants – creating more jobs in the region.
Provenance Wines is a key tenant which has already restored one of the heritage listed bluestone buildings on the land, which sits above the Barwon river. Catering and events business Truffleduck will benefit from the Government’s infrastructure investment to increase its event capacity and explore further growth opportunities.
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 boost 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 with regional and rural councils eligible to apply for grants. Information and guidelines can be found at
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“This project will deliver immediate benefits by creating jobs and increasing economic activity. This round of the Regional Infrastructure Fund will ensure Victoria continues to have our nation’s most vibrant regional economies.”
Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Water Richard Wynne
“It is important to provide critical sewerage upgrades to this popular precinct, enabling it to attract even more businesses to invest.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This upgrade will further strengthen Fyansford as a thriving arts, events, food and wine destination. That means more jobs and more tourists for Geelong, which is great for our economy.”
Reviewed 14 May 2021