The Andrews Labor Government will ensure the majesty of Wilsons Promontory and its unique biodiversity is protected while making it easier for more Victorians to see the much-loved coastal wilderness.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio visited The Prom today to announce a $23 million investment that will create an internationally significant biodiversity sanctuary and build a new visitor centre.
The funding through the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will establish a 50,000-hectare biodiversity sanctuary by constructing a predator proof fence to protect the Park's unique and abundant wildlife, including its threatened species.
Parks Victoria will spend $6 million to erect the state-of-the-art predator exclusion fence spanning more than 10-kilometres from coast to coast with double barriers at shoreline boundaries to keep out foxes, cats, deer and rabbits.
The Prom connects to the Australian continent by a narrow peninsula known as Yanakie Isthmus - making it a perfect site for the sanctuary which will be world leading in park management.
The visitor precinct in the Northern Prom will include an information centre and tourism hub, environmentally sustainable accommodation and a new park and ride service during peak season to reduce congestion and allow more people to visit mainland Australia's wild southern tip.
Gippsland will also share in $6 million to continue the Wild Dog control program, which will also benefit North East Victoria.
To help drive even more visitors to Eastern Victoria, $6.7 million will upgrade visitor facilities at the Mallacoota Inlet and Point Hicks Lighthouse in East Gippsland. These upgrades will allow for the development of an iconic new Coastal Wilderness walk through Croajingolong National Park.
Parks Victoria will use $3.5 million to build accommodation at Cape Conran Coastal Park. The distinctive eco-pods made from sustainable materials will attract more visitors to the beautiful beach on the Melbourne to Sydney coastal route.
A further $2 million will create more camping spots in East Gippsland and $350,000 will help the koala trail at Raymond Island accommodate more visitors enticing tourists to stay, spend and support local jobs.
To support East Gippsland and the North East's recovery from last summer's bushfires, a further $29 million will be spent continuing the critical work of the Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery program.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"This funding will protect The Prom's spectacular and unique coastal wilderness and help more people enjoy it."
"Gippsland's unique natural environment attracts visitors, creates jobs and supports communities - so it's vital we preserve it and improve it, which is what this investment will do."
Quoteattributable to Minister for Tourism Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"These improvements at some of our most iconic tourist destinations will bring more visitors to Gippsland and that means a stronger economy and more jobs."
