The Andrews Labor Government has announced a budget boost for the Murray River Adventure Trail and the Mallee Silo Art Trail - to attract more visitors and grow jobs in Northern Victoria.
The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will invest $10.3 million to upgrade walking and cycling tracks and river infrastructure along the Murray River Adventure Trail. Loop and spur trails will separate from the main route to provide additional adventures.
The works are expected to attract 55,000 extra visitors each year to cities and towns along the trail, which extends for more than 1,000 kilometres from Lake Hume to Mildura.
The Labor Government will invest $4.9 million to upgrade the Mallee Silo Art Trail, including major works at the Llew Schillings Silo in Rainbow to enable projections on the outside of the silo and access inside the structure. A viewing platform will be constructed to look out over the Big Desert.
Elsewhere there will be more silo art created, streetscape improvements, new lighting projects and augmented reality experiences to make the trail from Rupanyup to Patchewollock even more popular.
The $15.2 million in improvements will provide a significant boost for local tourism, support local businesses and create local jobs.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"This funding will make these trails even more popular - bringing visitors to towns in northern Victoria to spend money and support local businesses."
"We're investing in local tourism projects across the state to support jobs and help communities rebuild."
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
"Tourism is so important along the Murray and increasingly so in the Mallee - attracting visitors back to these regions will be crucial to help businesses and towns recover."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"The Silo Art Trail is an incredible experience and we're thrilled to support its expansion so that even more people can enjoy what it has to offer."
