The completion of significant upgrades to Harrietville's Dredge Hole Precinct was celebrated last Friday, with the official opening of the Alpine Better Places Harrietville Initiative.
Local community members joined Alpine Shire councillors, Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines, and Tronoh Reserve Committee of Management (TRCM) chair Eleanor Hoy to mark the milestone project, which was made possible through just over $1M from the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program, supported by Commonwealth government and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
The project used locally harvested Mountain Ash timber salvaged from bushfire-affected areas near Mount Selwyn to help reflect the town’s mining heritage.
Alpine Shire director of assets, Sarah Buckley welcomed everyone to celebrate the transformations across Harrietville.
“Following the devastating the 2019-2020 bushfires, this investment has helped us rebuild and reimagine key public spaces," Ms Buckley said.
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“We’ve delivered a new Trail Head Car Park Shelter, landscaping and Plaza, 650 metres of asphalt shared trail, which is incredible as it links Tronoh Car Park to the town and the Great Valley Trail, new paths through Pioneer Park and Tavare Park to improve connectivity.
“Most importantly, there's a new toilet block with six units including accessible and family friendly facilities, which was really important to us."
TRCM chair Eleanor Hoy said the Harrietville Community Forum, Harrietville Historical Society, TRCM and the Harrietville Off-Road Cycling Club formed a community reference group in order to ensure the product reflected what the community wanted.
“When the Falls-Hotham Alpine Crossing Project was in the conceptual [stages], we as Harrietville residents really wanted to be a part of it and keep our connection to Feathertop and that Alpine area quite strong," Ms Hoy said.
“We’ve managed to achieve so much more from this grant than the original conception, which was to provide parking for the national parks walk."
As a frequent visitor to Harrietville, Dr Haines said she looks forward to seeing great tourism benefits for the town, following the upgraded facilities at Pioneer Park.
"It really matters: buses and people will stop in this beautiful alpine village if there are decent facilities for them to do so," she said.
“I believe this project really epitomises what you get when communities are really, legitimately involved in shaping a project.
“People of Harrietville, you know how to make things happen, you know how to design your own future.
“It’s a real pleasure to join you today and I congratulate every one of you on what you’ve achieved."
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the upgrades reflect council’s commitment to creating vibrant, accessible public spaces which support community wellbeing and tourism.
“Harrietville is such a special place for both locals and visitors," she said.
"These improvements help make sure the area’s natural beauty and strong community feel are matched by great facilities.
“This project wouldn’t have happened without the support of the Australian government and we’re really thankful for the investment in our region’s recovery.
“It’s great to see how these upgrades bring the parks together and make it easier for people to move between them.”
The HV Kitchen catered for Friday's event and welcomed attendees with delicious cakes and a variety of warm coffees on the beautiful winter morning.
