16 April 2024, Cr Grace La Vella - The Maryborough Advertiser

Published on 16 April 2024

Economic Development and Tourism in Central Goldfields is integral to the sustainability of our Shire into the future.

Opportunities to achieve this vision are boundless through the lens of strong leadership, forward thinking, planning and of course, will.

Our much-loved Maryborough Town Hall is on track to reopen mid-year following electrical upgrades, Council Chamber restoration and minor roof repairs, bringing exciting opportunities for the community to re-explore and develop live theatre, dance, music, exhibitions - to name a few.  A Town Hall should bring together people from an entire region, or diverse groups connected through a shared interest.

The Bristol Hill precinct is evolving with plans to make it more of a tourist attraction.

We also have a massive undervalued, under-utilised facility within our Shire in the Maryborough Harness Racing location, with enormous potential to entice more people to Central Goldfields to eat, sleep and play.

The development of a Masterplan of the Harness Racing Precinct is complete, including its staged approach to upgrade and modernise their facility, providing opportunities for local Central Goldfields businesses and community organisations.

It is an opportunity to grow our Shire as a leading events centre, while further enhancing the highly renowned Maryborough Harness Racing fraternity, focussed on Central Goldfields as a whole.

Economic development aims to build up the capacity of an area to improve the quality of life for residents and requires a suite of ongoing events and attractions. These sustain the viability of our retail precincts, hospitality venues and accommodation providers – as well as employment. It requires government, business sectors and community working in partnership to create better conditions for economic growth and job creation.

And that is why we need continued strong leadership, forward thinking, planning and of course, “will.”

Cr Grace La Vella

Maryborough Ward