- Published:
- Friday 3 June 2016
The Andrews Labor Government is revitalising the Warrnambool CBD thanks to a $5 million investment to boost retail, hospitality, tourism and business services jobs.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today announced the funding boost as she toured four distinct zones in the city’s centre.
In many places, the existing city centre cannot accommodate street trade due to ageing infrastructure and a streetscape that is not pedestrian-friendly. It represents a significant loss in revenue for many retail and hospitality businesses, especially at the height of the tourist season.
The project will reverse this trend by delivering critical infrastructure upgrades including footpath widening, road narrowing, landscaping, parking, roundabout and traffic lane modifications.
It will generate 396 jobs during construction and create 260 full time jobs upon completion which will help the local retail and hospitality sectors grow.
It will also attract private sector investment of an estimated $38.5 million in Warrnambool through new retail and trading opportunities.
Warrnambool’s population is growing rapidly and the city currently attracts over 700,000 visitors every year, drawn to the region’s unique coastal and cultural offerings.
The Labor Government is supporting the project in consultation with Warrnambool City Council and the local community, whose input and recommendations have helped drive the process.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The CBD Revitalisation project will consolidate Warrnambool’s position as a dynamic and growing regional capital – which is great news for the entire south-west region.”
“This project will grow the retail and hospitality sector with a more diverse and modern retail mix, create hundreds of new local jobs and encourage more visitors to stop, experience and enjoy all that Warrnambool has to offer.”