Portland foreshore will be given a major transformation with further investment from the Andrews Labor Government, transforming the site into a vibrant and accessible space for locals and visitors.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund - Stimulus Round to complete the revitalisation of Portland's foreshore.
The work is being delivered in stages with the Labor Government already investing $3.5 million through the $2.7 billion Building Works fund and the Regional Infrastructure Fund 2019/20, bringing the total investment to $8.5 million.
The additional investment will help establish the foreshore as a popular outdoor space for families as well as a destination for tourists. There will be hospitality and retail facilities including a cafe and a fresh seafood market showcasing produce from Portland's world-class fisheries.
The project, which is backed by the Portland Foreshore Master Plan, will also deliver a multipurpose community and club facility with ocean-facing balconies for events and functions.
The redevelopment is expected to generate an extra $18.8 million for the Portland region economy and create 75 jobs over the next two years.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round will boost local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
The fund is part of the Labor Government's almost $30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria.
The second round of the Fund's 2020/21 program opened for applications on 16 June. Under this competitive round, local regional and rural councils will be invited to apply for grants. Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're making regional Victoria an even better place to live, work and visit with investments such as this one that will renew Portland's reputation as a family-friendly tourism destination and create jobs for locals."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"This redevelopment will enhance Portland's foreshore and support the local fishing industry through the development of a world-class seafood market that will create significant benefits for the region."
