News

small business | March 21, 2017

Kealy calls for $700,000 for Rupanyup Retail Precinct

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is calling for urgent State Government funding to provide $700,000 to renew Rupanyup’s retail precinct following devastating fires last month that destroyed the town’s chemist and gift shop.

“The fire in Rupanyup’s main street last month has devastated the township and I am calling for urgent State Government funding to see this passionate regional community get back on its feet,” Ms Kealy said.

“I often visit Rupanyup and meet with locals and business owners and I am always impressed with their strong sense of community and enthusiasm to see their beautiful town survive population decline and grow into the future.

“The silo art trail is heading to Rupanyup and will deliver much needed tourism to the town. With this in mind a local community project to renew the town’s retail precinct was developed to capture and build on the tourism the silo art trail would bring.

“The Renewing Rupanyup Retail project was developed to support local investment, population growth, increase tourism, create local jobs and ensure an economic revival to build a stronger regional community,” Ms Kealy said.

Plans for the Renewing Rupanyup Retail project include a full service supermarket, pharmacy depot operation, café and deli, gallery and arts outlet, including open spaces for event and market day functions.

Russian artist Julia Volchkova will transform the Rupanyup silos into a landscape-scale work of art and hopes to start work this month.

“With the silo art commencing it is vital the Andrew’s Labor Government provides urgent funding to support Rupanyup and to deliver the many positive outcomes expected from the Renewing Rupanyup Retail project,” Ms Kealy said.