Nature Based Tourism Hub in Koondrook
Published on 18 May 2017
NATURE BASED TOURISM IN KOONDROOK
MEDIA RELEASE
A $1.2m injection into tourism in Gannawarra is now a reality thanks to the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Stage one of the Koondrook Nature Based Tourism Hub will commence development following the announcement today that Gannawarra Shire Council has received $600,000 in funding from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund for the project.
Mayor Brian Gibson said this project would reinvigorate the tourism market for Gannawarra.
“The Nature Based Tourism Hub will be an area that is 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,” Mayor Gibson explains.
“The location of the Nature Based Tourism Hub will be beside the Council owned Koondrook Caravan Park, creating a very unique tourism precinct aimed at capturing the new market of the environmentally and socially aware,” said Mayor Gibson.
The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund was established to help grow and realise the potential of regional Victoria’s visitor economy.
Council, working in partnership with Murray Regional Tourism, identified the Nature Based Tourism Hub as having a strong focus on immersing visitors with nature, which was a key motivator in people visiting the area.
“Gannawarra is renowned for its nature based tourism features, and the development of up market accommodation in an amazing environment will assist to develop more tourism products to increase visitation. This funding will allow us to develop modern infrastructure that is closely aligned to our emerging growth markets – which is a fantastic result!” Mayor Gibson said.
Council has applied to the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions program for an additional $600,000 to complete Stage Two of the project.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford says Gannawarra is a great area for the Government to invest in.
“We want more people to enjoy our great outdoors and spend more time in regional Victoria because it has the best of everything.”
The completed project will see glamping tents and associated infrastructure developed as well as a camp ground, camp kitchen, services (water, power etc), connects to the Gunbower State Forest, canoe deck and links to cycling and walking tracks, landscaping and lighting.
For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website
www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au
…ENDS…
Date: 18 May 2017
Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627