GRAMPIANS Tourism Board has congratulated both sides of government in their 2014 election commitment for the development of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, in conjunction with the Minister for Environment, Ryan Smith, continued the Victorian Government's commitment by pledging a further $10 million to the Grampians Peaks Trail if re-elected on November 28. This complements the $2.5 million already committed by the Coalition to-date.
Opposition Leader, Daniel Andrews announced in Stawell that an elected Labor Government would commit $19.1 million to the project.
"This is an exciting day for the Grampians region and the tourism industry in Victoria," CEO of Grampians Tourism Board, Will Flamsteed said.
"These announcements recognise tourism as a viable industry for regional sustainability.
"Grampians Tourism, along with its local government and industry stakeholders, look forward to working with the successful government to ensure the trail is completed by 2019."
When constructed, the trail will be a world-class nature based tourism attraction which will generate multiple benefits to the region and the Victorian economy.
"Tourism generates $950 million of economic activity for our region. The Grampians Peaks Trail will attract a further 86,000 visitor nights per year to the region by 2024. It will generate a further $6.39 million of annual expenditure along with 35 direct and 75 indirect full time jobs for our regional communities."
The trail will attract private investment. Its Master Plan has identified nine preliminary 'Investment Settings' expected to attract more than $20 million of private investment in eco-accommodation and service based industries that will provide employment in the Grampians and regional towns of Hamilton, Dunkeld, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Beaufort into the future.
"It will also encourage our industry to re-invest in their businesses to meet new demand generated by the trail," Will Flamsteed said.