Last Friday I had the pleasure of officially opening the improvements to
Heywood’s Fitzroy River precinct, made possible with the help of $63 000 from
the Small Towns Development Fund grant from the Brumby Labor government. The
improvements included a new footbridge over the Fitzroy River to provide a
pedestrian link between both sides of the reserve; new boardwalks and multi-use
tracks; a pioneer display shelter for historic log wagons, tools and associated
timber-milling memorabilia; and tree planting, paving, outdoor seating and
picnic furniture. As well as improving access to local recreational and sporting
facilities, this upgrade will provide new marketing opportunities, particularly
the expansion of opportunities for Heywood’s Wood, Wine and Roses Festival.
I would like to acknowledge the Glenelg shire and the Promoting
Heywood and District Committee, which are extremely active in boosting local
tourism, social amenity and business development. I would like to make
particular mention of Eugene Rose, the project manager, who has returned to
Heywood to retire but who works tirelessly for the Heywood community. This was a
very well attended function full of optimism, town pride, history and ownership.
Congratulations to all.