TENDERS have been opened for the planning of a Murray River Adventure Trail that will bring tourists, jobs and business to riverside communities across the state.
The long-distance walking, cycling and water-based adventure trail will eventually follow the Murray from Lake Hume all the way to Mildura.
The first stage of work, focusing on the area between Picnic Point in Barmah National Park and Koondrook, is set to be completed in 2024.
It will also deliver new kayak launches, small bridge crossings and new facilities at several key visitor sites, including picnic facilities, car parking and toilets.
Swan Hill and Robinvale district locals, including Deputy Mayor Jade Benham, were “elated” at the news.
“Our region has been crying out for something like this for a long long time, and I’m so excited,” Cr Benham said.
“Nature tourism is booming, both domestically and internationally.
“And with one of the longest rivers in Australia literally our backyard, we should be investing in showcasing this, so we can reinvest into taking care of the river and its system.
“I’ll be the first one lined up to do each stage, and I don’t even mind if it’s on wheels, in a kayak or on my feet.
“I could not be more excited to see this project come to life.”
The Victorian Government has invested $10.3 million to design and construct new and upgraded trails and a range of other visitor facilities as part of stage one.
This initial section of the trail will connect almost 180 kilometres of existing land-based trail; deliver vital improvements to over 100 kilometres of trail; and create 22 kilometres of new trail.
This section will pass through Lower Goulburn National Park, Gunbower National Park, Murray River Reserve and Echuca.
Cr Benham explained that the Swan Hill to Nyah, and Nyah to Tooleybuc areas of the trail, will be completed in the second stage in three to six years.
Connecting Boundary Bend to Robinvale and Euston to Colignan will be the final stage.
“This new trail will drive economic growth to the region through increased visitation and expenditure,” Cr Benham said.
“(It) will attract investment in both public and private infrastructure, and create employment opportunities in the initial construction.
“Job growth will continue through the attraction and development of new tourism products associated with the trail.”
Cr Benham estimated the trail would attract and extend the length of stay of 110,000 visitors to the Murray Region annually, would be used 200,000 times per year by local residents, and generate an annual output of $12.8 million.
She also estimated it would contribute 71 jobs per annum to the Murray Region economy, while delivering a net present value (NPV) of $34 million for a benefit cost ratio of 2:3.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the recent opening of tenders for stage one of the project that will be led by Parks Victoria, in close collaboration with Traditional Owners, Murray Regional Tourism and local governments on a mix of DELWP and Parks Victoria lands.
“The Murray River is one of the most beautiful features of the landscape in south-east Australia, with exceptional natural environments and significant Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“This work is part of the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan which Minister for Tourism Martin Pakula said would “create regional tourism, generate jobs, drive visitation and help regional communities rebuild”.
To find out more about the project visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects and for tender information visit tenders.vic.gov.au/tender/view?id=235184.
