The State Government has allocated $405,000 for upgrades to Seymour’s Australian Light Horse Memorial Park through its Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the the money would help upgrade the historically significant park, with a goal of attracting more tourists and day trippers to the region.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Seymour. It will not only encourage more visitors to the park but it will also drive more tourists to the beautiful towns in the Goulburn region,” she said.
The park, formerly known as Seymour Camp, has a long military history.
From a light horse training ground pre-Federation to a base camp in World War Two, thousands of Australian soldiers have trained and rested on the park’s lands.
The project will improve accessibility and public amenities, with upgrades to Waler Paddock Lake access and a public walking trail. Road access and the car park will also be upgraded and extended so more people can visit.
Park trust chairman Scott McKay said the park had a ‘long and proud military history’.
“With the new upgrades future generations of Australians can continue to learn and enjoy what the park has to offer. We would like to thank the Victorian Government for their support,” he said.
The park covers 150 hectares of countryside east of Seymour’s town centre and is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, putting it within range of urban families on a day trip.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said he expected the project to provide significant flow-on economic benefits for local businesses through increased tourism and construction works, which will generate up to three jobs.
Works are expected to start in February 2023 and be finished in September 2023.
“Tourism is a major employer in the region, and we’re supporting projects that encourage more people to see more and do more – boosting local businesses and creating local jobs,” Mr Dimipolous said.
