A makeover and new infrastructure for an Otways park popular with tourists and residents is being assisted with a $75,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP.
She said the Birregurra Park upgrade would revitalise one of the town’s most important community assets.
Apart from increased use by visitors and locals, higher bookings are expected for sites at monthly markets and weekend festivals at the park.
“This strategic investment to build a better park with high quality infrastructure will offer many benefits to boost Birregurra,” Ms Tierney said.
“The higher quality facilities will offer an additional attraction for visitors travelling through the Otways to stop and spend time in town, increasing revenue for local business.
“The better facilities also are expected to boost the popularity of the town’s monthly markets and weekend festival.
“The recreational appeal of the park also will boost quality of life for residents.”
Ms Tierney said revitalising the park complemented Birregurra’s popularity as a “tree change” destination, which had also attracted new businesses to the town.
She said further growth was expected after a sewerage system was introduced to the town next year.
The works program – a $100,000 project by Colac Otway Shire Council – will include:
• Installing a barbecue and shelter.
• Constructing a network of pathways.
• Installing picnic tables and bench seating.
• Connecting power to the park.
• Landscaping.
The Birregurra Weekend Festival attracts more than 10,000 people to the town over the two days and the current park restricts site bookings
The grant is being provided under the Brumby Government’s Small Towns Development Fund initiative through Regional Development Victoria.
Ms Tierney said the project typified fund initiatives which were making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria.
The fund has helped develop 425 community and social infrastructure projects.
