The Nationals in government are backing tourist towns in fire-affected regions through a $10
million tourism events and visitor attractions to support communities and protect local jobs.
Tourism is the lifeblood of many fire-affected communities in Victoria and the aim of the
Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants (RTBR) program is to get tourists to come back, Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said.
“The compounded effect of the fires on top of drought has made it pretty tough for our farmers, industry and businesses, with flow on effects within these communities. These grants are here to help them attract tourists and inject the tourism dollar into their local economy especially outside the peak season.”
There are two types of grants to help support the development of unique experiences such as events, concerts, permanent visitor attractions such as art installations and tourist walks, as
well as local tourism promotions.
Stage one: supporting smaller-scale events and promotion with grants of up to $30,000 available per applicant. Applications are open through to 20th November this year.
Stage two: supporting larger events and their promotion as well as other visitor attractions such as art installations and tourism walks. Applications are open until 20th March.
“I strongly encourage bushfire affected communities to make the most of this opportunity to not only attract tourists but help each other through the recovery process by celebrating and promoting your region,” Senator McKenzie said.
An expert panel has been appointed to provide advice on the grants program. The members of the panel are:
- Ms Sandra Chipchase – former Chief Executive Officer of Destination NSW
- Mr Michael Luchich – South Australian State Director, Optus and Chairman of Country Arts South Australia
- Sara Quon – Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Hill Museums Association, Board Member of Visit Victoria and the Committee for Ballarat.
To ensure communities can get access to funds quickly, the first stage of the grants program will focus on grants of up to $30,000, and events up to April 2020 with a streamlined application and assessment process facilitating decisions.
The Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants (RTBR) forms part of the Liberal-National government’s $76 million tourism recovery package to help get the tourism industry back on
its feet.
For further information on the RTBR grants program visit: https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Tourism/Tourism-and-business/Grants/regional-tourism-bushfire-recovery-grant