Yippee! After years of dedication and deliberation, the whip has finally cracked — Corryong now has the chance to promote and celebrate the iconic legend of The Man from Snowy River all year round.

The Minister for Victorian Communities, Peter Batchelor, has recently announced a $15,000 planning grant to support the community of Corryong to work together to determine how the proposed Man from Snowy River Community Hub (Attree Park), could become more appealing as a community space for locals and visitors alike. [Visit website].

"The development of an all year-round community asset that also promotes Corryong as the real home of the Man from Snowy River could prove a long term and tremendous asset for Corryong. Visitation has almost doubled in the last 5 years, we have more than 32,000 visitors to Corryong a year and this is expected to rise with the development of the Snowy Valleys Way touring route with International tourism set to peak in 2017. We need to be product ready and this is a great way for communities to drive the Corryong product forward." said Penny Jeffs, Manager Tourism Development for Towong Shire Council.

The Upper Murray and Towong Shire region has so many wonderful community, recreational and arts groups that are keen to pursue the planning process with the idea of securing future implementation and infrastructure funds to upgrade the park into a world class asset for locals and visitors alike.

Council has received numerous ideas on how historic Davis Cottage, the existing sound shell and general park area could be enhanced and utilized more. The planning funds will be a great opportunity to integrate the Man from Snowy River statue project that has been in pursuit by one of the community groups for 20 years, with potential to develop a thematic walk and to involve a diverse range of community groups and their interests.

"Together Council and the communities of the Upper Murray can work together to develop a plan for the park. Potentially the space could become an ideal indoor and outdoor entertainment facility that capitalizes on the Man from Snowy River theme and legend 365 days a year." said David Laugher, CEO for Towong Shire Council.

A series of development workshops are scheduled to occur during the 2007/2008 financial year.

Residents are encouraged to send their expression of interest to attend future planning meetings by phoning the Tallangatta Shire office on (02) 6071 5100.