Mildura’s waterfront on the famous Murray River is a signature spot in one of Victoria’s most dynamic cities. The Government is capitalising on this space to drive social and economic benefits for the entire community.
The Victorian Government provided $12 million in funding, in partnership with the Australian Government and Mildura Rural City Council, to transform a 1.2km stretch of underused Murray River frontage into a substantial new regional asset.
Upon completion, the landmark $50 million project will extend the Mildura CBD into superb parklands and community facilities along the river.
Stage 1 was led by the Government in partnership with council and other stakeholders. It involved developing a promenade that connects the Mildura CBD to the riverfront and creating new parklands, water splash park, community facilities and an iconic new restaurant in the upgraded historical Mildura Rowing Club overlooking the Murray River.
The outcomes reflect the extensive community consultation on the features, themes and appearance of the project, with the foundation ideas behind the redevelopment being creating a greater connection and activation between the city and the riverfront.
The ‘Langtree Connection’ was an important component after being launched in October 2016. It incorporates terraced steps and ramps with rest areas that enable direct access from the popular restaurant strip to the riverfront promenade.
The Government is now supporting development of the Masterplan for Stage 2 of the project with a supporting business case funded through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF).
In 2019 the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) was engaged to undertake a comprehensive planning process with seed funding provided from the Victorian Government’s Streamlining for Growth program. This planning work will be the enabler for private investment into unused VicTrack rail land as residential and commercial property that will overlook the riverfront and parkland.
It will also boost the area’s tourism potential by creating community amenities including a ‘Village Square’ and versatile spaces that can be used for exhibitions and other events. The project is a great example of what is possible when all levels of government work together with the local community.
The government is providing an extra $30 million in funding for RJIF as part of the $2.6 billion Delivering for Rural and Regional Victoria Program, focussing on boosting jobs, building infrastructure and strengthening communities around the state.