Australia Invests $10 Million For Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package

Australia Invests $10 Million For Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package

29 January 2010

published by thegovmonitor.com


Australia — The commitment of $10 million to tourism by the Australian and Victorian Governments recognizes the importance of tourism to the bushfire affected regions.

Last August, alongside the Victorian Government, we announced details of the Victorian Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

As we approach the anniversary of the Victorian bushfires, we are reminded of the loss of lives and assets.

The Australian Government has been pleased to provide more than $455 million towards the recovery and rebuilding effort to help the 78 bushfire regions and towns to get back on their feet.

The commitment of $10 million to tourism by the Australian and Victorian Governments recognises the importance of tourism to the bushfire affected regions.

The impact of the bushfires on tourism was severe – 150 businesses damaged or destroyed in Marysville alone.

In the aftermath, I heard from tourism operators first hand.

Two things were very clear:

First, there was a quiet resolve within the tourism industry to rebuild.

And second, that government had an important role to play in the recovery.

Last August, alongside the Victorian Government, we announced details of the Victorian Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package.

And today, I’m pleased to announce further details of the $10 million tourism industry support package.

$320,000 will support 23 events in Gippsland, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges and Victoria’s High Country.

These events will not only help showcase the great range of world class food and wine produced throughout these regions, they will drive demand and stimulate economic activity in local communities.

In fact, this funding package is already helping regions to overcome the impact of the bushfires and rebuild their tourism industries.

I understand that Beechworth’s Opera in the Alps event – which received $10,000 assistance – was a sell-out success, with many visitors having to book accommodation as far afield as Wangaratta.

This $320,000 will provide $105,000 to the ‘Victoria: Amazing as Always’ marketing campaign and $75,000 for collective events marketing activities in Gippsland and Victoria’s High Country.

It will also provide funding for events taking place during 2010 and 2011, including:

  • $7,500 for Jindivick’s Hot Sauce and Fiery Food Festival in Autumn
  • $10,000 for La Dolce Vita in the King Valley in November
  • $15,000 for Grape Grazing in March in the Yarra Valley
  • And $1,000 for the Walhalla Black Cat Ghost Tour.

A total of one million dollars has been provided for events funding to help stimulate demand.

This has been supported by $6 million in marketing and a further $3m for visitor infrastructure.

Of course, there are things government cannot provide for communities – determination, initiative, solidarity and co-operation to name a few.

These characteristics must be – and are being – demonstrated right across Victoria.

I have been impressed by the resolve of the affected communities and the commitment by the business communities to rebuild their businesses and provide much needed local employment.

The Government has been pleased to work with you as you continue on your path of recovery.

I wish you every success and look forward to seeing more positive results form your important work.


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