Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Port Campbell and Timboon yesterday to view progress on the Twelve Apostles Trail, Port Campbell Town Centre Plan and the ‘Unlocking Housing’ project.
Minister Thomas said $4.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund was going to the Twelve Apostles Trail Stage 1 Timboon to Port Campbell and $6 million investment in the Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project through the Fund.
“We are proud to support these projects revitalising the Great Ocean Road because they will bring more visitors and jobs to the local area,” she said.
“We know that so far summer has been busy, with tourists and locals flocking to regional Victoria – these projects boost tourism opportunities and showcase what the region has to offer.”
While in Timboon Minister Thomas also visited a five-hectare site on Curdies Road where up to 40 new housing blocks will be created.
The State Government has committed $2 million to Council’s ‘Unlocking Housing’ project which will rezone and provide infrastructure for the Timboon blocks and up to 100 residential blocks in Simpson.
Corangamite Shire Mayor Ruth Gstrein welcomed the Minister and thanked the Government for its contributions to the projects through the Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Living Regions Living Suburbs program.
“It’s terrific to have this support for Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles trail linking it to Timboon,” Cr Gstrein said. “These are prizewinning destinations and the gateway to the Volcanic Lakes and Plains tourist region.
“What we have is three interlocking developments that will strengthen this corner of the Shire and provide benefits well into the future.
“The Twelve Apostles Trail will strengthen Timboon as a service centre for our nationally significant agricultural industry.
“That ties in with the ‘Unlocking Timboon’ and ‘Unlocking Simpson’ plans which will help address accommodation shortages for key workers in the farming and tourism sectors.
“Attracting more residents will have positive flow-on effects for local businesses, school populations and club memberships. I thank Minister Thomas and the Government for supporting these projects which will contribute greatly to council’s wider long-term strategy.
Pictured (from left): Cr Geraldine Conheady, Cr Jamie Vogels, Mayor Ruth Gstrein Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Cr Nick Cole and Cr Kate Makin at the ‘Unlocking Timboon’ site on Curdie Street.
