An elected Liberal Nationals government will help Victoria’s High Country communities immortalise their heritage in a new High Country Hall of Fame.

Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh will announce the Liberal-Nationals’ commitment at the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria Annual Get Together at Omeo this weekend.

“Just as Banjo Patterson immortalised the region in his poem The Man from Snowy River, the High Country Hall of Fame will pay tribute to the people and industries that have shaped this unique region’s history,” Mr Walsh said.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath will also attend the MCAV Get Together at Omeo.

Mr Bull said the Hall of Fame would be another attraction and asset to one of Victoria’s iconic tourism regions.

“The High Country is a vital part of East Gippsland’s heritage and I have no doubt the local community will embrace the opportunity to be part of establishing the Hall of Fame, particularly with the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria having such a strong local presence,” Mr Bull said.

Ms Bath said High Country communities had a rich history that was important to preserve.

“This is a real opportunity to celebrate all that’s great about the High Country, including our indigenous heritage, exploration, mountain cattlemen, winter sports and other aspects of high country history, industry and life,” Ms Bath said.

The Hall of Fame would be established in close consultation with High Country communities to determine the best location and design for the complex.

“Our plan is for a two-step process,” Mr Walsh said.

“Firstly, an expressions of interest phase where interested communities can put forward a bid; and secondly, a shortlist phase where the best three bids would receive financial assistance and help from Regional Development Victoria to prepare detailed business cases.

“If the Liberal Nationals are elected at the November State Election we will ensure the rich history of this iconic region, and the people and industries that have defined it, are preserved and celebrated.

“This will be a place our communities can be proud of and it will add to the outstanding tourism attractions that already draw more than one million people to the High Country every year.”

Wednesday, January 10, 2018