Creating tourism in Corner Inlet

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Creating tourism in Corner Inlet

THE Corner Inlet tourism development project features $14 million worth of tourism infrastructure projects in the Corner Inlet area.

Projects included in the development plan are the restoration of the Port Welshpool Long Jetty, the extension of the Great Southern Rail trail from Foster to Welshpool, the dredging of the Toora channel, the Port Welshpool marina and an Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve master plan.

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announced $180,000 funding to improve visitor facilities and help protect the environment at the popular Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve recently.

The works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The development of an economic and design assessment to establish the viability of a marina in Port Welshpool is currently being considered by South Gippsland Shire Council.

Project manager Paul Stampton said it is proposed to use part of the existing car park near the former ferry terminal on land managed by council, as well as land and water managed by Gippsland Ports and the Department Environment and Primary Industries.

“The proposed marina provides an opportunity for a major new tourism development project for the shire that would allow a range of other complementary businesses to enter the market,” he said.

“This could include boat servicing, accommodation, food, retail and other tourism enterprises.

“The marina would be a significant attractor of visitors in its own right, but could also be the catalyst for a range of other projects in the area.

“The economic and design assessment of the proposed marina is the first step towards potential development.

“Currently, tenders have been let for experienced marine consultants to undertake to assessment and are currently under consideration.”

The Port Welshpool Long Jetty restoration project, expected to cost around $11 million, has not begun due to a lack of funding.

There is currently $6 million in place for this project, including $1 million from council.

The first stage of the Great Southern Rail Trail extension between Foster and Toora has been finished.

“All of the work has been completed on the first stage which will be officially opened on August 25,” Foster Station Advisory Committee member Heinz Haselroither said.

The continuation of the rail trail between Toora and Welshpool is in the detailed design phase, with the project expected to be finished by 2015.

The dredging of the Toora channel is not currently funded, however designs and costs for the project are being updated.

All studies for wildlife impact have been completed and a submission to the Federal Government on spoil disposal is underway.

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Posted by on Sep 11 2013. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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