The funding is a portion of the $1 million awarded to Murray River Council through Drought Communities Programme Extension, and is on top of $473,000 awarded through the first round of the program earlier this year.
Located in Paterson St, the Moulamein Heritage village will be a new tourist attraction that will conserve and showcase a number of objects and buildings that have historical significance in the local area.
The project was initially granted $55,000 from the state government in early 2018 for a feasibility study, and efforts by the Moulamein Community Development Inc Committee have brought it to this point.
‘‘Moulamein certainly has a great story to tell and the heritage village will be a living breathing experience for tourists, school children and residents alike, with the ability to offer educational programs and heritage preservation experiences,’’ Mayor Chris Bilkey said.
‘‘The Moulamein Development Committee is to be congratulated for leading such a historically significant venture that has such wide reaching benefits.’’
The funding will allow for extensive site preparation and earthworks to construct a storm water retention pond, car park, roads and footpaths, and the installation of power, water services and fencing.
A new modern amenities block will also be constructed, providing conveniences for the travelling public.
The ‘‘jewel in the crown’’ of the village, the Jeraly woolshed, has already been relocated to the site.
Moulamein Community Development Inc Committee president Drew Harris said this funding has been a significant boost for the Moulamein economy, which has suffered from drought in recent years.
‘‘From the relocation of the Jeraly Woolshed to the site development, numerous local trades, transport, and supply businesses have been contracted,’’ he said.
Mr Harris said the site is now ready for the concrete slab to be poured where the woolshed will be reconstructed.
In the next few weeks the old Dhuragoon School building will also be relocated to become the information centre for the heritage village.
Also in the works is the dismantling and relocation of the historic Werai Horse stables to the village site, along with the Moolpa Station Blacksmiths shop at a later date.
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