REGIONAL Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas says she can see families from all over the state flocking to the Mildura riverfront to enjoy the Powerhouse Precinct.
Ms Thomas, who toured the riverside works this week, said the development would become an attraction to get people out and about, spending money and ensuring CBD businesses were well supported.
“I think it will be about the support for local businesses and the jobs it will create,” Ms Thomas said.
“Investing in a project like this is about creating an attraction,” she said.
“There are additional benefits as well … anything that brings communities together and creates connections across age groups and so on is really great.”
The $5.5 million project was stage two of the riverside development and included revitalising the building and creating a visitor kiosk, café, outdoor area, public amenities and a car park.
Early works have begun and the main village is predicted to be complete by mid-year 2022.
The minister said the project could not be contracted by locals, and work had to be outsourced, but it would still deliver the economic boost that the building works program was designed for.
“The money that is invested in these projects is designed to ensure we boost employment because we are very concerned about the economic consequences of the pandemic,” she said.
“As far as is possible these projects are designed to stimulate that local employment.
“But sometimes that can be a challenge in a regional town.
“One of the things I can say about this region at the moment is that the challenge is finding people to do some of the work.
“Regional Victoria has its own challenges that the right skills aren’t always in the right place at the right time.”
Ms Thomas said the Powerhouse Precinct would build on the beauty of the Murray riverfront and Mildura’s rich history to create an area that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The economic benefits are clear — supporting bustling businesses and local jobs in the heart of Mildura.”
