Tourism and community hubs in the North East are getting an overhaul thanks to a share in $16 million from the state government.
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For Indigo Shire's struggling tourism sector, $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the Beechworth Historic Precinct "couldn't have come at a better time".
Mayor Jenny O'Connor said many operators are hurting as a result of the summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is an important investment by the state and matches council's own $500,000 towards the project in one of our most valuable heritage sites," she said.
"We believe this project will position the Beechworth Historic Precinct as a world leader in combining heritage sites, high quality museum displays and interpretive technology.
"It is inspired by similar combinations of heritage sites with modern interpretation such as the Joan of Arc Historical in Rouen, France and the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre in Scotland."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced six initiatives in the North East were among 35 projects in rural and regional communities sharing in more than $16 million from the fund to improve liveability and attract more residents and visitors to towns.
Cr O'Connor said the Beechworth Precinct Renewal - Courthouse Kelly Trials Experience will use a combination of "projection technology and world-class museum displays" to create a visitor experience of "national and international significance".
"Importantly, this project is an upgrade to our existing offerings, rather than a replacement - traditional re-enactments will still be able to take place, and the new displays will enhance them," she said.
"Every visitor to the court will be able to sit in the main hall, experience an audio-visual display that brings the trials and hearings during the Kelly period to life, then walk into each room and meet the legal professionals and community members involved through high quality object displays and projections.
Other projects include $500,000 to the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park to develop 11 kilometres of downhill tacks, the redevelopment of Tallangatta Holiday Park, developing Apex Park in Wangaratta into an adventure park and the refurbishment of the Burraja Cultural and Environmental Centre in Wodonga.
