Improvements to Heywood’s Fitzroy River precinct, including building a new footbridge, have been completed with the help of a $63,000 Victorian Government grant Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today.
The Small Towns Development Fund grant was provided to the Glenelg Shire Council for the $94,500 Fitzroy River Precinct Upgrade project.
Ms Tierney said the project highlights the natural environment and enhances liveability of this small rural community.
“As well as improving access to local recreational and sporting facilities, this project provides for new marketing opportunities for Heywood and boosts civic pride.
“And with the Fitzroy River Precinct being Heywood’s prime recreation and festivities area, the opening of this project will provide expansion opportunities for Heywood’s Wood Wine & Roses Festival, increasing visitor numbers and tourism expenditure,” Ms Tierney said.
The project involved:
• Constructing a footbridge over the Fitzroy River to provide a pedestrian link between each side of the reserve;
• Constructing board walks and multi-use tracks and providing interpretive signage;
• Constructing a “pioneer” display shelter for historic log wagons, tools and associated timber milling memorabilia dating back to the 1860s; and.
• Tree planting, paving, outdoor seating and picnic furniture.
Ms Tierney said the project had broad support with financial contributions from Glenelg Shire Council, the Promoting Heywood and District Committee and Portland Eco Trust, as well as an in-kind contribution from the community.
“This is a fantastic example of the State Government, Local Government and the community coming together to deliver the best possible outcomes for local communities such as Heywood
Ms Tierney said the Small Towns Development Fund was helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
So far, the fund has provided $36.3 million toward 396 community and social infrastructure projects worth $76.7 million right across provincial Victoria.