Families in the Macedon Ranges will have more spaces to relax and unwind, with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government to invest $718,000 towards the Romsey Ecotherapy Park.
Already, the former Romsey Primary School and its two acres of open space have been transformed with the establishment of an Active Nature Space.
But right now, the project – led by the Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc – remains half-finished with extra funds required to complete the final stage of the redevelopment.
The Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that a re-elected Labor Government would help get the job done, with funding towards a new sensory garden, play spaces, picnic areas, a billabong and community gathering space for local arts, performances and events.
As well as providing a recreation and relaxation space for locals, the completed project is expected to be good news for Romsey’s economy, attracting new tourists and new tourism dollars.
With links to the Five Mile Creek precinct, historic Romsey buildings, the Romsey Lancefield Walking Trail and the Romsey Recreation Reserve, the park will help provide another space for both local families and visitors to enjoy.
Today’s news follows almost ten years of hard work from the Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc, and thanks to contributions from the Commonwealth Government, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the local community and a re-elected Labor Government this project will finally become a reality.
The commitment builds on the Andrews Labor Government’s existing investments in the local area, including $200,000 for the park’s Climbing Forest through Pick My Project, funds to enhance Romsey’s town centre and landmark legislation to protect the Macedon Ranges from inappropriate development.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
"Locals have done so much to get this project started. With this investment, a re-elected Labor Government will help this community get the job done."
"This is great news for local families – but it’s also great news for local tourism and the local economy too."
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Romsey community have worked tirelessly to bring this concept to life, so I’m thrilled that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will provide the funds needed to realise the vision of this fantastic community project."
"Labor’s investment will give Romsey families a dedicated community space to exercise, play, unwind – and most importantly, connect."