THE next stage of upgrades for the Bellarine Railway will give it a facelift and encourage more visitors to the region.<\/p>\n
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney visited Drysdale Railway Station at the weekend to inspect early works on the project, which has just received $3.53 million from the Stimulus Round of the Labor Government\u2019s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.<\/p>\n
Stage one, which Labor previously supported with $300,000 of funding, includes the development of the turntable paddock at Drysdale Railway Station and improvements to community access, and will provide a base for the award-winning dining experience The Q Train, which travels along the historic Bellarine Railway.<\/p>\n
Stage two will include an upgrade of 16.5 kilometres of track between Drysdale and Queenscliff.<\/p>\n
The project aims to establish Drysdale Railway Station as a gateway for the Bellarine Railway in Geelong and transform it into a tourist destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.<\/p>\n
The upgrades to the heritage line will benefit attractions including The Blues Train, Day Out with Thomas, train driver experiences and group charters, as well as family and special events.<\/p>\n
Ms Thomas acknowledged the advocacy of Bellarine MP Lisa Neville in securing the funds to provide a strong future for the railway, as well as the Q Train and the Blues Train.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment will benefit the Bellarine Peninsula\u2019s visitor economy and create new jobs by taking advantage of the natural coastline, world-class wineries and tourist railway,\u201d Ms Thomas said.<\/p>\n
Ms Tierney said the works were not only about breathing new life into the Bellarine Railway, but also ensuring the future of the line.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know it will continue to be a popular drawcard, creating local jobs and bringing the community together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The $46 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund\u2019s Stimulus Round is part of Labor\u2019s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, which is underpinned by an investment of $633 million.<\/p>\n
It focuses on 30 key local projects that will create immediate jobs in construction, and drive visitation and ongoing employment.<\/p>\n
For more information on the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round and the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, head to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE next stage of upgrades for the Bellarine Railway will give it a facelift and encourage more visitors to the region. Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney visited Drysdale Railway Station at the weekend to inspect early works on the project, which has just received $3.53 million from […]<\/p>\n