Marysville and Triangle community making progress
Sat 30 April 2011
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan today welcomed the findings of a new report which showed encouraging signs of economic recovery in Marysville and Triangle since the devastating 2009 bushfires.
The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report analyses the progress of BCG’s economic strategy developed for the local community on request from the Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction Authority following Black Saturday.
The report, which was undertaken by BCG at no cost, also identifies priorities and a recommended path forward for Marysville and Triangle.
Mr Ryan said the report showed promising signs of economic recovery and business confidence in Marysville and Triangle as a result of investment in infrastructure, events and tourism promotion.
“To date government funding and in-kind donations totalling $135 million have been invested in local infrastructure in Marysville and Triangle to support economic recovery,” Mr Ryan said.
“The investment to rebuild infrastructure at Lake Mountain resulted in almost 132,000 visitors last year while a reinvigorated events calendar and funding to promote the area has drawn an increasing number of day trippers while accommodation is being rebuilt.”
Figures show private sector confidence is returning with 30 main street retail businesses expected to be opened by the end of this year, while 200 homes and 600 accommodation beds out of 1,500 pre-fire will be rebuilt by January 2012.
Mr Ryan said the government recognised further support was required for Marysville and Triangle however the Government was already making progress in areas that had been identified as priorities in the report to further enhance the local economy over the next three years.
“Plans for the $19 million conference centre are well under way, as is the Government’s commitment to expand low-interest loans for bushfire-affected businesses,” Mr Ryan said.
“The BCG report makes some worthy recommendations and the government will continue to monitor progress to ensure the local economy is able to benefit. This report shows Marysville and Triangle is a resilient community with an extremely positive future.”
