Mildura Rural City Council is exploring potential locations for the eagerly anticipated Trail of Lights as it progresses the next stage of this exciting project.
General Manager Strategy and Growth Peter Alexander said a comprehensive review of the project as part of the move from concept to operational planning revealed several significant challenges with the proposed Lake Cullulleraine site.
Mr Alexander said this presented a valuable opportunity to reimagine what the final tourism offering and other opportunities will look like to maximise benefits to the community and the broader region.
"This is a really important step in the process of making this project a reality and realising its full potential," he said.
"It was only through working through this exhaustive, critical process that we were able to investigate the potential challenges presented by the current site and where we might be able to reduce them.
"Those challenges include accessibility of the site to ensure as many people as possible can experience the Trail of Lights, the additional funding required to establish supporting infrastructure such as new roads and other amenities, and barriers presented by distance from major centres."
Mr Alexander said other challenges included the significant increase in the cost of infrastructure and related building materials since Light/State was first conceptualised, which was well before the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting escalation in building costs.
A community meeting was held at Lake Cullulleraine this week to update the community as well as seek further feedback.
"We're committed to working closely with the Lake Cullulleraine and Millewa communities on other opportunities that will provide benefits from a tourism and economic perspective," Mr Alexander said.
"This could be through further investment in local community infrastructure through to business and events support, and we'll continue working closely with local community throughout this process."
Mr Alexander said Victorian Government approval of any future location was also required before the project could move ahead.
