STUDENTS from Newhaven Primary School joined Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula last Friday as he announced funding for the Phillip Island Hot Springs development.

A $4.7 million boost from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund will help expand the Hot Springs development, with seven new pools added to the main bathing area, nestled amongst the natural landscape.

An additional three thermal pools, boasting sweeping views over Bass Strait, will be constructed next to the Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant, which will be transformed into a dining lounge seating up to 100 guests.

The expansion is expected to create 35 jobs during construction and 68 full-time and indirect jobs when it’s completed in 2023.

“We want to make Victoria the thermal capital of Australia,” Co-Partner, Charles Davidson said.

A $500,000 investment from the Enabling Tourism Fund will further support the project, with funding going towards the planning stage of the development of the Cape Woolamai Lodge and hot springs.

The hot springs expansion is expected to attract an estimated 73,000 new visitors to the Island in the first year.

They are expected to contribute more than $4.7 million to the Island’s economy.