Moyne Shire CEO David Madden said money for the streetscape was at the top of the list of funding application priorities it has put forward to the state government.

He said council was lobbying the state government for $500,000 for stage three of the project which would focus on Bank Street, from James Street to the Visitor Information Centre.

The works would include bluestone footpaths, channeling and curbing, new road surface and street furniture, as was the case in stage one of the project in Sackville Street. Stage two was the revamping of Fiddler’s Green. Stage one and two were completed in March, 2015.

Port Fairy traders contributed to the cost of the first two stages and Mr Madden said that would again be the case for stage three.

“There are state government grant programs available and we hope to get a grant this financial year,” Mr Madden said.

“Visitors to our town appreciate the work that has been done and the traders feel there has been benefits, five new businesses have opened since the completion of the first two stages.

“Because we have so many visitors, we have shops we normally wouldn't have in a town of 3000 people. The selection of cafes and restaurants is extraordinary for a country town.

“The economic outcome for Port Fairy is fantastic, we have to compete with a lot of really good tourist towns in Victoria.” 

Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas backed the push for state government funding.

He said the first two stages had proven the value of the streetscape project.

“This is certainly a worthwhile request to the state government, we have made a good start on the streetscape and it is something we need to finish off,” Cr Doukas said.

“The traders are right behind it and it would provide a real lift to Bank Street without going over the top. It would fit in well with the character of Port Fairy.”