The Shire of Towong has been successful in winning funding for two major projects in
Round 3 of the Federal Coalition Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.
The National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said today the grants were
$800,000 towards the construction of the Upper Murray Events Centre in Corryong
and $495,000 for the Great River Road project in Bringenbrong.
Building on the success of the Man from Snowy River Festival, the Upper Murray Events
Centre in Corryong will provide a purpose constructed event facility which can
play host to key aspects of the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival and provide
a space for new events.
Senator McKenzie said the festival currently attracts 20,000 visitors each year,
injecting over $2.2 million into the local economy. This facility will enable
the festival to grow, and will expand smaller, regular complementary events, as
well as providing space and appropriate facilities to host a range of new and
existing events, including the Upper Murray Challenge, paragliding and
para-motoring, cycling and triathlon events.
The Great River Road project was identified through the Upper Murray 2030 Plan, a
holistic planning project to map the future prosperity of the Upper Murray. The
project will provide key infrastructure, signage and promotion
“The Murray River Road stretches from Albury to Towong following the curves and
bends of the Murray River, it is spectacular country. It offers the best
touring experience of the Murray River, with the spectacular Snowy Mountains as
the backdrop.
“This project will highlight the spectacular nature of the views and experiences
available along this touring route, boost the local economy by increasing
tourism and tourism yield, and grow jobs in a number of small rural
communities,” Senator McKenzie said.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the local projects funded under NSRF
Round 3 made a huge difference in their communities. Some 479 applications were
lodged under Round 3 and only the very best were successful.