MEMBER for Northern Victoria Region Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has advocated in State Parliament for funding to complete the third stage of the Mildura Riverfront Development.
Ms Tyrrell recently visited Mildura, where she met with Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Helen Healy and chief executive officer Martin Hawson, as well as local business owners and community members.
During question time Ms Tyrrell asked Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes for a funding commitment of $1.8 million to complete the development.
“The third and final stage of the Mildura Riverfront Development will deliver a key tourism destination for visitors in the Sunraysia region, as well as providing a central hub for local families,” she said.
This would include the construction of a new adventure playground at Jaycee Park.
Ms Symes promised to meet with Ms Tyrrell to discuss past investment in the Sunraysia region and possible future contributions towards Mildura’s infrastructure projects.
In response to Ms Tyrrell’s question in parliament, Deputy Mayor Ali Cupper said “that’s great, we welcome her speaking on our behalf. It is great to have Rikki’s support”.
Cr Cupper said that the “long sought-after” adventure playground would “enhance an iconic part of Mildura’s beautiful riverfront”.
She said the development would “build on the incredible work already completed over the past ten years, largely by council, to improve the riverfront.
We have already seen this work paying off with increased tourism numbers due to the vision, imagination and determination of the council”.
Prior to the federal election the council submitted a list of priorities, which included funding for the proposed adventure park.
Cr Cupper said that the council has proposed that state and federal governments match its own contribution.
“We are always ambitious, however these sorts of projects can only be done in collaboration, it would be irresponsible to make any promises without confirmation of government support,” she said.
Cr Cupper reiterated how important it is that governments support regional cities like Mildura.
“We are important,” she said. ‘We are a part of this state. We are a part of this country.”
Member for Mildura Jade Benham, who was attending parliamentary chambers when contacted, welcomed Ms Tyrrell’s question but was disappointed that she did not make time to meet when visiting Mildura.
“Doing this is exactly Rikkie-Lee’s job as one of the members for Northern Victoria,” she said.
“It’s a shame it’s taken her almost three years, but calling for funding and coming to Mildura is exactly what she should be doing and I encourage it.
“It would be nice if Rikkie-Lee would call me for coffee when she did, but she’s more than welcome anytime for more advocacy work.”
