The Andrews Labor Government is backing a major redevelopment of Swan Hill’s riverfront that will create jobs, boost the local economy and bring even more tourists to the region.

Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, today joined Swan Hill Rural City Councillors to walk the length of the Swan Hill Riverfront project, taking in the completed Stage 1 works of the Swan Hill River Walk Enhancement and the Heartbeat of the Murray site.

Ms Pulford also toured the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement upgrade, with works  currently under construction, and the site of the proposed Swan Hill River Walk Enhancement Stage 2.

The Labor Government has provided $256,500 from its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund towards Stage 2 of the Swan Hill River Walk Enhancement, securing 25 jobs and creating five new jobs.

The project will better tie Swan Hill’s major tourist attractions together by connecting the Pioneer Settlement entrance to the PS Gem, the Art Gallery and Spoons Restaurant and on to the proposed southern section of the River Walk.

It will boost the local economy by attracting further private sector investment along the Riverfront, increasing local recreation activity and driving visitation to the town and region.

When complete, the 5km River Walk will stretch from the wetlands in the north,  to the natural river setting of the Little Murray in the south.

The Government recently backed the establishment of the popular Heartbeat of the Murray Experience evening laser show, along with other upgrades to the Pioneer Settlement day experience with $930,000 in funding from the Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“The riverfront is a major tourist drawcard for Swan Hill and the Andrews Labor Government is helping improve this already popular destination so more people will come and enjoy the many features on offer.”  

“Swan Hill’s iconic riverfront is set to sparkle. This is good news for local jobs, good news for local residents and even better news for tourists.”  

“The Swan Hill River Walk Enhancement project will not only create a beautiful public space for the community to share and enjoy, it will drive visitation to the area and boost the local economy.”