Village gets state backing

MALDON’s historic Porcupine Village has received State Government funding for its restoration project and new accommodation.

Minister for Sport, Tourism And Major Events, Martin Pakula, visited the site on Monday to announce $1.7 million from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund will be put into the site.

“[The fund] allows us to support important tourism infrastructure projects right across regional Victoria,” he said.

“This one ticks so many boxes. It provides accommodation and extra opportunities for young people to learn about the goldrush.

 “It’s a tourist attraction in its own right but [it will bring] more accommodation, a wildlife sanctuary, more function spaces.”

Porcupine Village’s restoration project includes a school, working blacksmith, and many other 1850-style buildings.

Accommodation includes a luxury motel rooms, glamping tents and a caravan park and Mr Pakula said the site means tourists can stay longer in the region.

“If you’ve got something that takes people back to a bygone era and lets them stay longer and enjoy other parts of the region and give greater yield, all of that’s really important for our tourism economy,” he said.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said providing accommodation and a restaurant means the tourist attraction delivers something Maldon has been lacking.

“It’s an offering for events, weddings, things like that. [The managers] have done a fantastic job getting the restaurant ready,” she said.

“We know it’s going to bring enormous benefits, having somewhere to go out and eat in the evenings, having the accommodation and the historic village as well, it’s just an all-round great package,” she said.

Porcupine Village stretches 15 acres on Allans Road, Maldon. Once operational it will have 30 full-time employees and about 120 beds, excluding the caravan park.