Romsey ecotherapy park one step closer to reality

The Andrews Labor Government is backing a multipurpose nature park in the Macedon Ranges, which will be enriched by local artworks and sculptures designed by members of the community.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the Romsey Ecotherapy Park construction site and met with local artist Brigit Heller who is one of six artists contributing to the project.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.5 million towards the three-stage project, supporting a long-held community vision.

The Romsey community has raised funds to go towards locally produced "Art in the Park" pieces. There will be a range of artworks featured throughout the site, including a portal statue, sculpted by Lancefield artist Brigit Heller and this will be installed at the entrance of the park.

Earthworks are well underway on the project’s second and third stages, which includes a sensory therapeutic space and an arts and culture space featuring sound and scent focused garden beds, a water feature along with a visitor car park and the Woodland Ramble space which offers hut building activities.

These elements are key to the vision of supporting community health and wellness experiences through nature and cultural experiences.

The project’s first stage was completed in 2018 and has been open to visitors. It features a nature play space and climbing forest. The completed park is expected to open next year, generating up to 12 jobs during its two-year construction period.

The Victorian Government has invested $200,000 through Pick My Project for Stage 1, $718,000 through the Regional Development Priorities 2019/2020 Fund for Stage 2, and a $615,000 investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round for Stage 3.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.

The Fund is part of the Labor Government’s almost $30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"This is an exciting project in the Macedon Ranges and one I know that Romsey locals will enjoy – it will play such an important role in enhancing the health and wellness for the community while supporting more jobs."

"This has been a long-held community vision and I am so pleased to see it getting closer to reality – our dedicated volunteers and community members should be commended for their efforts."