A stingray feeding attraction will be the centrepiece of the final stage of the Queenscliff Wharf rebuild, according to environment minister Ryan Smith.
Mr Smith announced a $1 million funding boost for the Fisherman’s Wharf and precinct rebuild, expected to generate up to $1.5 million a year through tourism.
The funding to complete the wharf rebuild will also upgrade works in the Dinghy Basin precinct.
The Regional Growth Fund and Department of Environment and Primary Industries will fund $500,000 each.
Mr Smith said the project would deliver jobs, investment and social benefits.
“This will be a real boost to jobs in the local area with estimates that the project will provide around 30 construction jobs and 80 new jobs in Queenscliff within five years,” Mr Smith said.
“The stingray attraction in the Cayzer Slipway will be the first of its kind in Australia. When open in 2014, 600 shows are expected to be seen by around 90,000 people each year.
“The development of the precinct will have enormous flow on impacts for existing tourist destinations in Queenscliff and around the broader Bellarine Peninsula, generating around $1.5million a year in tourism expenditure.”
Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd has also made a contribution of $480,000 and the Borough of Queenscliff has committed $80,000 to the project.
Subject to relevant approvals, project works are expected to commence in early 2014 and be completed by late 2014.
