Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford joined the Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Lake Fyans Recreational Area Committee at the official opening.

The state government provided $187,500 towards the project, which has a 9.6-kilometre walking track around the perimeter of Lake Fyans, with fencing, shade shelters, upgraded and new toilets, signage, nature trails and bird trails.

Ms Pulford said construction of the new path supported nine jobs and a further three ongoing jobs would be created once the project was complete.

“Lake Fyans is the most popular lake in the Wimmera with more than 22,000 visitors staying overnight in the last two years alone – our investment is sure to boost those figures in years to come,” she said.  

“We know the importance of tourism to regional Victoria, because put simply it create jobs – that’s why the Andrews Labor Government continues to invest in making our iconic tourist hotspots better to enjoy year round and provide important jobs for locals.”

The Lake Fyans recreational lake contributes more than $7.7 million annually to the regional economy, and with these upgrades could expect to create a 15 per cent boost in visitor numbers.

The new track will also help preserve cultural heritage locations and native vegetation in the southeast part of the lake shore by limiting motor vehicle and motorbike access to the water in highly sensitive areas.

Splinter tracks off the main trail will also encourage walkers to explore the rich plant life, observe the activity of local wildlife and to preserve the significant cultural heritage of the Djab Wurrung Nation.

“We want everyone to experience the very best that our Grampians region has to offer – from our Grampians Peak Trail to unrivalled local produce, there is something for everyone to enjoy and experience,” Ms Pulford said.