- Published:
- Thursday 9 March 2023
A new luxury resort is one step closer to transforming the Grampians region, thanks to an $8.5 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced that planning applications for stage one of the project had been approved by Horsham Rural City Council.
The $26.2 million Mount Zero Resort project will feature 40 luxury accommodation villas, a restaurant and a café. The site will be a perfect base for visitors to walk the Grampians Peaks Trail or unwind in one of Victoria’s beautiful and unique landscapes.
Situated at the northern edge of the Grampians National Park, the Mount Zero Resort is expected to deliver $43.6 million in economic benefits in the construction phase alone. It also aims to provide 17,520 additional overnight stays in the Grampians annually, which will attract more visitors to this magnificent region.
The project will deliver a spa and wellness facility, plunge pool, a function centre and landscaped gardens.
Planning application approvals for the project involved thorough consultations with relevant agencies and independent consultants, alongside the Labor Government.
The Mount Zero Resort strongly aligns with increasing access to nature-based tourism, which is a key pillar in the Victorian Government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. The resort was also named in the Grampians Tourism Investment Prospectus as a major opportunity to attract investment into the region.
Construction of the first stage of the project will now commence in mid-2023 and is expected to be open to the public in 2024, generating up to 29 construction jobs and 55 ongoing jobs once complete.
Tourism is a major industry in the Grampians, with the region receiving 1.9 million visitors in 2022, who spent $524 million.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“It’s fantastic to see the Mount Zero Resort project one step closer – this project is set to invigorate the Grampians by becoming a new tourism drawcard to showcase all the region has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“This project will make the Grampians region even more appealing to tourists, which is a big win for local jobs.”