Swan Hill Rural City Council
Swan Hill will get its iconic new art gallery and interpretive centre, thanks to an announcement from Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack today.
Mr McCormack was in Swan Hill this afternoon to announce the Federal Government’s $16.8 million contribution to Our Region, Our Rivers – a joint infrastructure project of seven local councils.
The Councils – Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon, Balranald, Murray River and Edward River – worked on the joint funding application to the Federal Regional Growth Fund.
They will contribute matched funding to deliver river and lake front projects across the region, in places like Koondrook, Donald, Bridgewater, Balranald, Deniliquin and Tooleybuc.
Speaking at the announcement, Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Ann Young said it was anauspicious day for the entire region.
“This really is an auspicious day for us. Thanks to the Federal Government and our local Councils, today marks the start of $34 million worth of new infrastructure for our riverfront towns,” she said.
“It marks the start of job creation, of fresh economic growth and of even better livability.”
“In Swan Hill, an iconic building will be built on the Little Murray River, including a modern, new art gallery, an information centre, interpretive centre and entrance to the Pioneer Settlement,” she said.
“In Robinvale, we will complete the Bromley Road beautification project that the community has so longed for.”
She thanked everyone involved.
“On behalf of all seven Councils and 16 communities involved, I would like to thank Mr McCormack and the Federal Government for their commitment to our area. I would like to thank each of the Councils for their willingness to be part of something so big and so unique, and the team that pulled the application together with such professionalism.
“I think I speak for all when I say that I look forward to seeing our communities prosper under Our Region, Our Rivers.”
In the Swan Hill municipality, projects to be delivered following today’s Regional Growth Fund announcement include:
- The new Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, also incorporating an interpretive centre, information centre, Pioneer Settlement entrance. This project will also include outdoor event spaces, a bush tucker garden and the Yamagata garden.
- The Bromley Road beautification in Robinvale.
- A Robinvale digital walking trail that celebrates the region’s history and culture, including a large art work.
- Activation of the Robinvale riverfront.
- A walking trail at Boundary Bend – a great asset for visitors and locals.
- Improved livability in river towns with infrastructure like seating, shade and landscaping.