Australia's first hot springs golf course - featuring a "glamping village" - will open in Metung later this year, after a $3 million injection by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today joined the team behind the project, local tourism business operators Adrian and Rachel Bromage, and Charles Davidson from Peninsula Hot Springs to tour the exciting new development.
The Labor Government has invested $3 million towards the project through the Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package and the Victorian and Federal Government's Local Economic Recovery program which supports bushfire-affected areas of Victoria.
Construction on the project will begin in the coming months with the first stage expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Stage one will include a glamping village, thermal bathing pools and tubs, a sauna and plunge pool on the escarpment, glamping accommodation, dome day lounges and walking trails.
A collaboration with Metung's Kings Cove Golf Club will pioneer Australia's first hot springs golf course, with bathing and wellness facilities to be constructed adjacent to the existing clubhouse. Water from the hot springs will also be used to irrigate the golf club, helping them to meet their water requirements.
This project is expected to generate up to 20 new permanent jobs in its first year and a further 10 during construction, with later stages expected to create further employment and training opportunities.
The hot springs will be heated using a deep bore geothermal heating system that taps into an aquifer more than 500 metres below ground where the water is 45 degrees.
Other tourism investments being made across the region include $3.85 million to provide better access to Point Hicks Lighthouse, $3.5 million for a community-led restoration of the historic timber trestle Snowy Rail Bridge and $350,000 to help the koala trail at Raymond Island accommodate more visitors.
These funding commitments build on an existing group of Victorian government investments across East Gippsland, through the Gippsland Recovery Tourism Package, which will improve infrastructure and increase employment and education pathways, particularly for young people.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Metung Hot Springs is another example of how we are backing a project that promises to bring long-term economic benefits to our regions, making them an even better place to live, work and invest."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
"This development is leading the way by showing what is possible for new year-round regional tourism experiences and I'm excited to see this project reach completion."
