Government invests in Marysville's economic recovery
Friday 1 July 2011
The Victorian Government today announced an additional $5.2 million to encourage new investment in Marysville and Triangle as the community continues to recover from the 2009 bushfires.
Speaking in Marysville, Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said the Government would continue to support small business owners rebuilding in the area.
"The community is working hard to restore Marysville to its former glory and I am pleased to say that 22 of the 40 main street businesses destroyed by the fires in Marysville are now re-established," Mr Ryan said.
"The Government will continue to encourage additional investment in Marysville and Triangle that aims to re-invigorate the community that was hardest hit in the tragic 2009 fires."
Mr Ryan said the $5.2 million investment would support key recommendations made in the recently released Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report on the progress and recovery of Marysville and Triangle communities.
"These measures will not only make it easier for businesses to rebuild but encourage new businesses to the area and further promote tourism in the region," Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan said new measures announced today include:
- a $4.4 million low-interest loans program to attract new businesses into the region and support expansion or rebuilding of businesses locally;
- funding towards a state-of-the-art interpretative tourism experience that will educate visitors about the area including its history before the bushfires, the rebuilding and recovery of the region as well as the story of February 2009;
- an additional $200,000 towards Lake Mountain Alpine Resort to further develop year round tourism activities;
- funding for the development of a professional prospectus to attract investors and families to establish in the region; and
- support for the Marysville and Triangle Economic Leadership Group which formed after the fires and will continue to drive business recovery in the region.
Mr Ryan said the $4.4 million low-interest loans program was in addition to the Government’s recently announced extension to existing low-interest loans that provide loans of up to $500,000 for fire-affected businesses.
"Funding for the BCG key recommendations build on the Government’s investment in other important local projects such as the Marysville conference centre and the redevelopment of the Marysville Golf and Bowls Club," Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan said Marysville had made enormous progress since February 2009 and he encouraged Victorians to visit the region to enjoy its many and varied attractions.
"There is so much to see and do in the area including natural attractions such as Steavenson Falls and man-made attractions like the Gallipoli Park children’s playground," Mr Ryan said.
"The $9.2 million Lake Mountain redevelopment is another good reason to visit the area, with the newly opened state-of-the-art resort building and snow-making facilities attracting record visitors."
For more information about what Marysville and Triangle has to offer go to www.marysvilletourism.com
