By PETER DOUGLAS
AS THE federal election race heats up, the funding promises are coming in thick and fast.
Potentially, this could be a boon for the Dandenong Ranges, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visiting Emerald Lake Park on Wednesday, 25 May, to announce a $20 million injection to boost tourism in the region.
In a move that is designed to capitalise on a predicted Chinese tourist boom, the promise comprises $10 million to widen the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, $6.5 million to upgrade the Puffing Billy Railway, $2.5 million for the Ridge Walk and $1 million to extend the Emerald/Cockatoo trail to Gembrook.
Along with Liberal colleague, La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Mr Turnbull fronted local and national media to announce the plan.
After arriving on Puffing Billy, Mr Turnbull said the election promise would help to drive the economy.
“We’re committing to a new discovery centre, upgrading the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, in addition to developing some walking trails,” Mr Turnbull said.
“What all of this does is add to the strength of what is our largest services export … tourism.
“These are key elements in our national economic plan.”
Mr Turnbull said the investment would help to create jobs.
“Tourism is absolutely critical, we’re seeing really strong growth, nine per cent growth last year … very strong growth out of China, last year we saw one million Chinese tourists,” he said.
“And following Australia week in China, (where there was) an announcement that 2017 will be the year of China-Australia tourism … you’ll see even stronger growth.
“Puffing Billy alone has seen phenomenal growth, there should be over 415,000 passengers this year and that’s going to continue to grow.
“All this grows jobs … particularly in regional Australia.”
The plan further sets in motion a major tourism proposal flagged by Mr Wood in April this year.
Mr Wood unveiled a multi-million dollar proposal which centres on transforming Puffing Billy into a ‘mega tourism destination’.
The proposal included the restoration of Red Rattler trains, which would transport passengers from Melbourne central business district to the Belgrave start point of Puffing Billy.
This also included a discovery centre at Emerald Lake and the creation of the Villages of Mount Dandenong Walk.
