Central Goldfields Shire Council last week welcomed funding from the 2022-23 State Budget for:
• Four additional weekend rail services to the Maryborough Passenger Rail Line
• $225,000 for Stage 2&3 of the Indigenous Interpretive Garden through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund and
• $400,000 towards the resurfacing of the old asphalt courts at the Maryborough Tennis Club and Maryborough Rovers Football Netball Club.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said Council has campaigned for additional weekend rail services for many years and it is great to see this will soon become a reality.
"Tourism is a major focus for Council and being able to bring passengers into the Shire through these additional services will be a boon for businesses."
"Importantly it will support Maryborough Railway Station being a key destination centre showcasing the wonderful story of gold and the World Heritage Listing developments in exciting and immersive ways."
The services will integrate with the daily coach services (via both Ballarat and Castlemaine) that also connect the town to Melbourne.
Listed as a Central Goldfields Shire Priority Project, funding for Stage 2&3 of the Indigenous Interpretive Garden, forms part of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery redevelopment.
"The Central Goldfields Art Gallery redevelopment is a tremendous project and it's fantastic to see the Indigenous Interpretive Garden receive funding in this year's State Budget," Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery Coordinator Helen Kaptein said the designs of the Garden have been developed in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.
"The Central Goldfields Art Gallery Indigenous Interpretive Garden is a place for Dja Dja Wurrung culture to be recognised and shared with the community – to enhance wellbeing and encourage greater respect and reconciliation.
"The Garden designs were developed through an Indignest Wartaka process to ensure Dja Dja Wurrung people led the development of the cultural themes embedded within the design."
The Central Goldfields Shire Council has committed a further $75,000 to the Indigenous Interpretive Garden project to bring the total to $300,000.
The community has campaigned for the courts at the Maryborough Tennis Centre and Maryborough Rovers Football Netball Club to be upgraded for many years and improvements will allow both clubs to expand members and increase activity.
"The announcement of new multi-use courts is significant. Sporting facilities are a huge community asset and it's important they are compliant and fit-for-use," Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said.
Improvements at Princes Park have been identified as a priority through the development of the Draft Princes Park Master Plan – which is currently out for community feedback.
