- Published:
- Monday 7 November 2016
Derrinallum has celebrated the completion of a new community centre and eco-tourism centre that will support a greater range of community activities, drive tourism to the region and help boost the local economy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green officially opened the Mt Elephant Centre, located at the base of the town’s famous volcanic peak on the floor of the old ballast quarry.
The Centre provides a meeting and activity place for local residents, with a sustainably built community building, outdoor shelters, landscaping, service infrastructure, and interpretive signage.
It will capitalise on the site’s strong eco-tourism potential by encouraging visitors to stop and experience all that Mt Elephant has to offer, from the sweeping 360 degree views to learning more about the region’s rich geological and cultural history.
New interpretive signage highlights local indigenous and settler history as well as information on the natural environment.
The Centre is also set to provide additional opportunities for education and research activities, including for schools and universities.
The $625,000 project has been delivered with $150,000 in Victorian Government funding in conjunction with support from the Trust For Nature and the local community.
The visitor economy is critical to the future economic development of regional and rural Victoria, with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs annually.
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“We understand the enormous contribution regional Victoria makes to our economy and way of life, which is why investing in towns like Derrinallum is so important – to ensure it remains a great place to live, work and visit.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Regional Victoria continues to go from strength to strength and with critical infrastructure funding we’re helping the region realise its full tourism potential – bringing more people to our regions more often.”