Damian Drum (Nicholls, National Party) | Hansard source

Delivering funding for projects for the people of Nicholls right across the community is one of the highlights that we all have as local members. Major projects often overshadow local projects, but securing funding in partnership with local governments to deliver projects that drive local economic development is just as important, like supporting tourism. The Regional Jobs and Investment Packages have seen this government partner with the Moira Shire, local businesses and Goulburn Murray Water by providing $2.7 million towards the $6.3 million Yarrawonga Tourism Trail, which is five kilometres long along Lake Mulwala.

Next Saturday week I'll be attending the opening of stage 2 of the Dookie Rail Trail, also funded through RJIP in partnership with the City of Greater Shepparton. The project extends the existing trail by 3.1 kilometres to connect with the former Dookie railway station.

Prior to Christmas I also had the opportunity to open the initial stage of the Murray River Adventure Trail, linking Yarrawonga to Burramine. This $1.3 million, 13.5-kilometre trail was delivered in partnership with the Moira Shire by the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

I'm proud to announce that this week the Campaspe Shire has received $1.5 million for the Murchison to Rushworth Rail Trail via the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants. Certainly it's great to be able to see the National Party delivering while we're in government for regional Australia in these programs.

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