A HISTORIC site at Jeparit will be extended and redeveloped in honour of former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies.
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The Menzies Square project will include the redevelopment of vacant blocks where two shops burned down about two years ago.
The site is where Sir Menzies' parents owned a store and a house and where he was born in 1894.
The Menzies Foundation chief executive Sarah Hardy said the project was a partnership between Hindmarsh Shire, Federation University and the foundation.
The State Government will contribute $235,000 towards the project, the Menzies Foundation $35,000, Federation University $20,000 and Hindmarsh Shire $15,000.
"The project is to redevelop a piece of land at Jeparit to become an interactive discovery park, outlining the history of Sir Robert Menzies and his contribution to the town," Ms Hardy said.
"This is an opportunity for children and tourists to come to Jeparit and learn more about the former Prime Minister."
Ms Hardy said the foundation was pleased to be part of the project.
"The foundation was set up in memory of Robert Menzies and we are committed to continuing his work and his legacy," she said.
"This new redevelopment is an opportunity for people to learn about an important part of Australian history."
Revitalising the square will involve developing new and improved infrastructure, including a large outdoor chess set featuring Australian Prime Ministers and Menzies-era politicians.
"There will be interactive screens where tourists can learn about the life and times of Robert Menzies in Jeparit," Ms Hardy said.
Jeparit residents now also have access to world-class drinking water after the town was connected to a new pipeline.
Resident Teresa Smith said the community had been lobbying for several years to get clean drinking water.
"It's wonderful that GWMWater has come forward with it," she said.
"Before the pipeline, what came through the pipes was not very good quality water when you filled up the sink the water had a brown tinge and it smelt.
"Having bad-smelling water is not pleasant."
Mrs Smith said the upgrade would also help with tourism and attracting new residents.
She said the new pipeline would help in dry years especially.
Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty joined the Jeparit community to celebrate the town's connection to the drinking water supply yesterday.
