Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Museum of Vehicle Evolution

Ms LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (17:47): (1751) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional Development, and it concerns funding for a planned upgrade of the Shepparton Museum of Vehicle Evolution. The action that I seek is for the minister to provide a funding commitment of $4.5 million for the expansion and upgrade of the Museum of Vehicle Evolution into a world-class tourist destination that will increase tourist visitations to the region and deliver economic benefits for the Greater Shepparton economy.

The Museum of Vehicle Evolution, better known as MOVE, began as the Shepparton Motor Museum and, after a $6.2 million redevelopment, reopened in its present form in September last year. It is now a world-class, purpose-built museum that displays a collection of vintage motor vehicles, trucks, bicycles, vintage clothing and transport-related items. A highlight of MOVE is its celebration of iconic local businesses and families, showcasing the history of the Furphy family and many legendary local trucking families that have operated out of Shepparton over the years.

Since the redevelopment MOVE’s popularity has exceeded all expectations and has become a must-see tourist destination for visitors to the Goulburn Valley. Despite the success, the MOVE board of directors wish to upgrade and expand the site to deliver an even better and more interactive and engaging experience for visitors. MOVE have plans for a $6.793 million redevelopment to expand the floor space of the museum and deliver a 900 square metre state-of-the-art car theatre, an interactive experience with a selected vehicle, which is then retrieved and displayed, with its history presented to the visitor. The redevelopment will also upgrade the clothing display and see the installation of driving simulators, a photo booth and new heating and cooling systems to improve visitor comfort and experience.

The board of MOVE have applied for a grant of $4.5 million from the state government through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and plan to contribute $2.293 million, as per the requirements of the application. An economic impact assessment of the project by Urban Enterprise has found that the completed redevelopment will result in increased visitation to MOVE of 157 147 visitors over a five-year span, with an additional visitor expenditure of $12.8 million into the local economy over the same period. This is an important redevelopment for MOVE and the entire Greater Shepparton economy, and I urge the minister to grant the requested funding of $4.5 million to make it a reality. I would like to encourage every member of this chamber to come to Shepparton and to visit MOVE. It truly is a wonderful experience. And bring your families—the kids will absolutely love it.