Funding of $112,500 will help develop a Beeac Windmill Park and History Walk to highlight the history of the township, improving its amenity and attracting more visitors, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today.
“The small town of Beeac, 19 kilometres north of Colac, has a fascinating and unique history and this new park will be a major drawcard for exploring that history,” Ms Tierney said.
“The main street is lined with heritage buildings, some dating back to the 1860s, and in 2010 Beeac celebrates its 150th year as a settlement.
“Local businesses were pioneers in the construction of windmills across Victoria and the Beeac community is keen to recognise that history.”
The park will be developed on a green-field site in Beeac’s main street as part of a small residential subdivision. The land is being provided to Colac Otway Shire Council as part of the developer’s contribution.
Beeac Windmill Park will include three refurbished heritage windmills, a tourist information shelter, pathways, interpretive signage, a wishing well, a History Walk around the township, tree planting and landscaping.
The new park will form the hub of the History Walk and is located next to public toilets and directly across the road from the main business area and playground.
“The Beeac Windmill Park and History Walk project has been driven by the community which is providing over $12,000 in cash and in kind support for the project “Ms Tierney said.
“The Victorian Government’s $112,500 grant is providing 75% of the $150,000 total project cost.
“With the construction of attractive and important infrastructure including the historical and tourism shelter, pathways and historical windmills, the park will become a feature for Beeac and attract people to stop in the town,” Ms Tierney said.
“The park will become the hub for tourist information and for the History Walk, which includes designation of sites around the township with interpretive information podiums. The History Walk will begin at the park and lead people through the town, including to businesses.”
Ms Tierney said the Small Towns Development Fund was helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“This project typifies initiatives supported by the Small Towns Development Fund, which are making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria,” she said.
“So far, the Fund has provided $48.1 million toward 471 community and social infrastructure projects worth $93.6 million right across provincial Victoria.”