Work will soon begin on significant upgrades to St Arnaud CBD thanks to a $200,000 investment by the Andrews Labor Government which will make the former goldmining town a better place to live and visit.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford joined Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) Mayor Tony Driscoll and CEO Michael Bailey today to announce the upcoming start of works on the project, which will improve the visitor experience and encourage tourists to stay longer in the region.
St Arnaud is a popular stop for visitors, who come for its goldrush-era streetscapes, interesting events like the St Arnaud Country Music Festival and as a place to stay for visitors travelling to the Silo Arts Trail.
The $200,000 Civic Precinct Redevelopment funding will be provided through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and deliver upgrades to the St Arnaud Town Hall, Market Square and Queen Mary Gardens.
The works will include:
- Renovating the St Arnaud Town Hall kitchen to commercial standard, including a new layout and installation of new equipment and working spaces
- Constructing of a covered BBQ area, additional seating, increased bus and caravan parking and providing new tourist information in Market Square and Gardens
- Installation of new picnic seating and garden irrigation system in Queen Mary GardensThe project will support the St Arnaud community by injecting $2 million into the local economy as well as creating an additional 15 jobs.
- The project has been identified as a key infrastructure priority for the NGSC community and aligns with a number of other local and government initiated strategic plans, including the Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy 2016 and the Regional Tourism Strategy 2013-16.
- The redevelopment is aimed at capturing an untapped share of the tourism market, with an expected increase of up to 10,000 visitors to St Arnaud over the next 3 years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The CBD upgrade will make St Arnaud an even better place to live and work, while enticing more visitors to stay longer and explore the surrounding region – providing a significant boost to local businesses.”
“We’re investing in regional infrastructure to keep communities strong, boost local economies and make regional communities even better places to live.”
“We are proud to provide $200,000 to support this strategic project, which will increase visitor numbers to the region and generate local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020