Tourist operators in north-east Victoria stand to benefit as part of a $250 million government campaign to boost regional tourism, jobs and local economies.
The Liberal and Nationals government’s package includes $200 million for an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund to boost local infrastructure in regional communities.
“$100 million will be dedicated to tourism-related infrastructure in round five which will open for applications soon,” Wodonga-based Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said.
“The BBRF would mean more opportunities for communities in Indi which is a favourite destination not just within Victoria but beyond. We want to encourage more people to come to our fabulous region for a holiday meaning more local jobs, better community infrastructure and a boost to our local economy as we recover from COVID, bushfires and drought.
“Local projects in our electorate have already received substantial support from the BBRF program such as the popular 14km Great Valley Trail between Bright and Harrietville, the Beechworth to Yackandandah Epic Mountain Bike Trail; the Corryong Memorial Hall kitchen upgrade; Wangaratta’s Aquatic Plan; and the Bonegilla Migrant Experience near Wodonga.
“The economic and social benefits are significant and I look forward to seeing more of the same with another funding round confirmed today.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the package would deliver targeted support for regional tourism, encouraging
“By investing $200 million in an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund we are investing $200 million in securing regional Australia’s future,” he said.
“We know every dollar spent on building local communities is a dollar well spent and that is at the heart of our economic plan for a more secure and resilient Australia.”
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said an additional $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative would help regions dependent on international tourists.
“This would help them to bounce back firstly by attracting more Australians and then overseas visitors when our international borders re-open,” he said.
“Tourism is such an important job creator and driver of many regional economies. We want to make sure that our tourism regions are in the best possible shape on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Liberal and Nationals government’s billions in economy-wide support has provided a lifeline to many in the tourism industry, sustaining hundreds of thousands of tourism businesses.
“Increasingly we are targeting sectors hardest hit, with this regional support sitting alongside our $50 million business events program to get meetings, conventions and conferences up and running again, which is so crucial to the visitor economies of our capital and larger cities.
BBRF Round 5 will be delivered like its previous four rounds, with Infrastructure Project and Community Investment streams. Grant Opportunity Guidelines will be made available shortly, consistent with the existing BBRF framework, to assist potential applicants. More information is available at https://www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/building-better-regions-fund.aspx