Tony Smith (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The electorate of Casey that I have the honour of representing encompasses the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. As members would be aware, tourism is very important. It's driver of so many small businesses and so many jobs throughout the region.

The federal government is investing a little over $15 million in tourism infrastructure that will boost tourism and create even more jobs. This includes Warburton Water World and stage 1A of the Yarra Valley Trail. Last Friday I was pleased to visit the Dandenong Ranges to Kalorama for the launch of the RidgeWalk project that will see many kilometres of walks across the top of the Dandenong as a magnet for even more tourists in the years ahead.

I want to pay tribute to the council and their team for pioneering this project; the Morrison government for funding it; the state government for also contributing; the local council who are also contributing money; the leadership of the mayor, Councillor Jim Child, and the administration of the Yarra Ranges Council.

When complete, this will be a fantastic asset for everyone that visits the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, both domestically and internationally.