VIC Premier

The Portland foreshore is being fundamentally redesigned with further investment from the Andrews Labor Government, making the site a vibrant and accessible place for locals and visitors alike.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $ 5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round to complete the Portland Foreland revitalization.

The work will be carried out in stages, with the Labor government already investing $ 3.5 million through the $ 2.7 billion Building Works Fund and the Regional Infrastructure Fund 2019/20, bringing the total investment to 8.5 Million dollars raised.

The additional investment will help establish the foreshore as a popular outdoor space for families as well as a destination for tourists. There will be dining and retail outlets, including a cafe and fresh seafood market showcasing products from Portland’s world-class fishing.

The project, supported by the Portland Foreshore Master Plan, will also provide a multipurpose community and club facility with balconies with ocean views for events and functions.

The redevelopment is expected to generate an additional $ 18.8 million for the Portland area economy and create 75 jobs over the next two years.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund worth $ 156 million.

The economic round will boost the local economy as it recovers from the effects of the pandemic and creates jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.

The fund is part of the Labor government’s nearly $ 30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria.

The second round of the 2020/21 fund program was opened for applications on June 16. As part of this round of competition, local regional and rural councils are invited to apply for grants. Information and guidelines on the Regional Job and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.

As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“We’re making regional Victoria an even better place to live, work and visit with investments like this that renew Portland’s reputation as a family-friendly tourist destination and create jobs for the locals.”

As stated by the member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“This new development will improve Portland’s foreshore and support the local fishing industry by developing a world-class fish market that will bring significant benefits to the region.”

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