Liberal National Government announces $13.5 million Murray River trail election commitment

The federal government will spend millions extending a Murray River trail in north-west Victoria, estimated to attract 75,000 visitors, if re-elected.

A re-elected federal government will spend $13.5 million extending a 35km Murray River trail in Mildura estimated to attract 75,000 visitors to the region.

The Liberal National Government pledged the funding towards the project, expected to create 30 full-time jobs, on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said it would boost Mildura’s liveability and provide tourists and residents opportunity to keep active.

“This is something that says to Mildura and Victoria that your standard of living here is something that can be an envy of other areas, be something that attracts people out,” he said.

"People need a focus point and this is something that has the potential to bring tens of thousands of people to this area.”

The trail from Red Cliffs to Yelta will include cafes and new businesses, as well as first nation cultural sites.

Mr Joyce it is expected to attract around 75,000 visitors annually to Mildura and create between 26 and 30 full-time jobs.

“In addition, it is estimated to generate between $2.6 and $3 million annually for the local Mildura economy meaning that everyone from a motelier, café owner through to the local gift shop will benefit from an iconic walking trail being developed for the region,” he said.

Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Liam Wood, Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Mr Joyce at the announcement on Monday.

Mildura Rural City Council CEO Martin Hawson, Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Liam Wood, Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Mr Joyce.

Mildura Rural City Mayor Liam Wood said it would be a “massive boost” to the region’s economy.

“We all know that eco-tourism is a booming industry and talking about the figures we are looking at $3 million annually to the bottom line of the region,” he said.

“We all know how much of an asset the river and the riverfront is and this is just another feather in the cap to exploit it for tourism and make sure people come to this area.”

Mildura Rural City Council CEO Martin Hawson said the project would be an “iconic” asset that would take the riverfront to “a whole new level”.

“It will enable us to connect up all the different iconic sites along the river,” he said.

“From this greater things will come.”

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster welcomed the project.

“Mildura is already a highly successful and sought after tourist destination for Regional Victoria, and the adventure trail will build on this even further,” Dr Webster said.

“The riverfront track is a place that many people get out and about and enjoy the Murray River. This funding we are announcing today expands the track to Merbein and beyond and will attract adventurous and active tourists to Sunraysia.”