Building works are underway on the Upper Murray Events Centre at Corryong Recreation Reserve in Victoria, following bushfires in the region.
The Victorian Government will provide an additional $200,000 for the $2.4 million project, which aims to provide a modern event space for Towong Shire and the surrounding Hume region.
It will feature two adjoining buildings, including one that will house a social room and a meeting space with a bar. The other will contain new club rooms and a fitness centre, to be operated by Corryong Health.
The events centre is also expected to provide greater access to facilities for the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, which attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year and injects more than $2.2 million into the local economy.
The centre will be a venue for community groups and local neighbourhood centres and is expected to bring in more than 3500 overnight visitors to Corryong, adding $1.4 million to the local economy every year.
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Construction began in June last year as a result of the State Government’s $800,000 investment through the Regional Hobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The additional funds were originally expected to be raided by local fundraising efforts, but the State Government has stepped in to provide additional support to ease the burden on the community in the wake of the fires.
Other funding has come through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund and the Towong Shire Council.
Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said the Upper Murray Events Centre upgrade will provide a major boost to the tourism economy in and around Corryong.
“A new and improved Events Centre will provide the ideal home for the range of sporting and community groups that make Towong Shire a great place to live, and help grow Corryong’s iconic event The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival.”
Construction will continue in the coming month and is expected to be completed in time for the he Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in April.