Minister Pulford tours Koondrook
Published on 10 January 2017
Minister Pulford tours Koondrook
Gannawarra Shire Council met with Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford in Koondrook today.
Mayor Brian Gibson said the purpose of the visit was to brief the Minister on the Koondrook Nature Based Tourism Hub, but Council also took the opportunity to discuss with the Minister other priorities for the Gannawarra Shire.
“Having Minister Pulford in our Shire today was a great chance to showcase the wonderful natural assets we have here, as well as the developments we are working towards to make Gannawarra a fantastic place to live, work and play,” Mayor Gibson said.
“We also took the opportunity to speak with the Minister about a range of issues pertinent to Gannawarra at this time, including funding ratios, improved connectivity to regional cities, rural health deficiencies, as well as other state and federal issues such as supporting government policy that supports solar farms and critical black spot issues.”
Minister Pulford visited the recently completed Koondrook Wharf and inspected the Koondrook Riverfront that will be connected to the proposed Natured Based Tourism Hub adjacent to the Caravan Park. The Minister also toured the Gunbower Forest and Gunbower Creek admiring the amazing natural environment that Council is seeking to develop further tourism products around.
The purpose of the visit was to brief the Minister on the $1.2 million proposal for a Nature Based Tourism Hub in Koondrook, which will be a facility that connects the many tourism products, assets and activities in and around Koondrook, Cohuna and Kerang.
”The Hub will be linked to Gannawarra’s iconic natural assets such as the Gunbower State Forest/National Park, Gunbower Creek, Murray River and Kerang Lakes,” Mayor Gibson explains.
“It will be fitted out with authentic glamping styled tents, camp kitchen and canoe platform with connections to cycling tracks, walking tracks, canoe trails and the Kerang-Koondrook Rail Trail.”
In addition, the proposal seeks to further enhance the links to the Ports of the Murray project, and connect with the Murray River Adventure Trail by providing tourists with a visitor experience that showcases the natural beauty and wildlife which is abundant in the area, as evidenced by the recent partnership with Melbourne Museum who conducted a week long bio-scan of the region and found some truly fascinating flora and fauna within the local region.
“Council is excited about the future of this area of Gannawarra and we look forward to continuing to partner with the State Government to enhance tourism opportunities within the Shire,” Mayor Gibson said.
For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website
www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au
…ENDS…
Date: 10 January 2017
Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627