The Andrews Labor Government will provide an additional $200,000 towards the construction of the Upper Murray Events Centre at Corryong Recreation Reserve, following bushfires in the region.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today toured the construction site to view progress on the $2.4 million project, which will deliver a purpose-built modern event space for Towong Shire and the surrounding Hume region.
Construction began in June last year thanks to the Labor Government’s original $800,000 investment through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The additional $200,000 was originally expected to be raised through local fundraising efforts, but the Government has stepped in to provide the extra support and ease the burden on the community in the wake of devastating fires.
The centre will feature two adjoining buildings, including one that will house a social room and a meeting space with a bar, while the other will contain new club rooms and a fitness centre to be operated by Corryong Health.
The events centre will provide greater access to facilities for the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, which attracts more than 20,000 visitors every year, injecting more than $2.2 million into the local economy.
The project will also ensure state-of-the-art facilities for the town’s local sporting clubs, while providing a venue for community groups and local neighbourhood centres.
The completed centre is expected to help bring more than 3,500 more overnight visitors to Corryong, adding $1.4 million annually to the local economy.
Other funding for the project has come through the Commonwealth Government’s Building Better Regions fund and Towong Shire Council.
Construction will continue over the coming months with the final project set to be completed in time for The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in April.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“The Upper Murray Events Centre upgrade will provide a major boost to the tourism economy in and around Corryong – we’re proud to support this important project.”
“A new and improved Events Centre will provide the ideal home for the range of sporting and community groups that make Towong Shire a great place to live, and help grow Corryong’s iconic event The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival.”
Reviewed 30 July 2020