Council
27 August, 2022
Tourism boost for Minyip
Tourism is set to boost in Minyip as $240,000 worth of funding is pledged to the construction of two cabins at the town’s camping site, Wetlands Park.
Tourism is set to boost in Minyip as $240,000 worth of funding is pledged to the construction of two cabins at the town’s camping site, Wetlands Park.
The cabins come as a part of the Enhanced Visitor Experiences project, collaborated by Yarriambiack Shire, Wimmera Mallee Tourism and Wimmera Development Association.
The cabins are set to assist in addressing the current short-term housing shortage across Yarriambiack.
Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker said that strengthening accommodation options through short-stay cabins opens up the Yarriambiack communities to a wider market of tourists.
“Our region’s Silo Art Trail has helped put our region on the map and proves that we are a genuine destination for domestic travellers and international visitors alike,” she said.
“We have seen the positive impact that cabins have made in Murtoa and we can’t wait to have these new cabins in Minyip.
“Those who may travel through Minyip and stop for lunch or a day trip will now have the option of staying in a cabin at the beautiful Wetlands on the town’s edge.”
Besides the $240,000 of funding, Yarriambiack Shire has also allocated $75,000 to the cabins alongside a $10,000 investment from Minyip Progress Association.
The cabins are expected to be constructed and installed by 2024.
The project also includes the construction of 14 more “state-of-the-art” cabins across the region’s caravan parks, particularly accessing arts, culture and attractions. These locations include Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shires.
Overall, the project received $3 million from the state Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund to see the project’s completion.
Councillor Zanker said the Minyip cabins will enhance the visitor experience and stimulate local and regional economic growth, maximising the impact of the tourism dollar within Yarriambiack.
“The Wetlands is just a short stroll to the main street and provides a peaceful sanctuary on a visitor’s journey,” she said.
“Attracting visitors who do not bring their own accommodation in the form of caravans, recreational vehicles or tents will soon have the option of cabin accommodation when visiting Minyip’s capturing the Sheep Hills Silo and the streetscapes pictured on the Flying Doctors and The Dry.”
The project collaboration comes as WMT and WDA identified the accommodation gap three years ago and developed a business case for a regional cabin network to attract funding.
Tourism, Sport and Major Event minister Steve Dimopoulos said the cabin project will deliver more holiday memories to Victorian regions.
“Many Victorians have cherished childhood memories from stays at caravan and holiday parks across the state, which collectively provide more accommodation to domestic tourists than any other sector in Victoria," he said.
"With even more to offer, they’ll stay longer, supporting local businesses and the people behind them.”