The Australian and Victorian Governments today announced details of the $10 million Victorian Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package which will assist regions which were economically-affected by the February bushfires.
Tourism representatives and operators from the affected regions joined with Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, the Hon. Tim Holding MP, and Christine Nixon APM, Chair, Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority for the update.
Mr Ferguson said the Australian and Victorian Governments were working to rebuild the tourism industry in Victoria's High Country, Gippsland, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Goldfields, Grampians and Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, which were all affected by the devastating bushfires
"The assistance package is already working to deliver economic benefits to these communities and attract visitors back to this magnificent part of Australia.
"The funding has supported a number of key events in the affected regions, and assisted with marketing the regions internationally at the Australian Tourism Exchange in June.
'The Government is pleased to provide this support and recognises the significant economic contribution tourism makes, particularly throughout regional Australia," Mr Ferguson said
Mr Holding said that Victoria's tourism industry has shown resilience in the aftermath of the terrible fires.
"This funding is helping the regions to overcome the impact of the bushfires and rebuild their strong tourism industries," Mr Holding said.
"It is essential that this funding gets to the people that need it most; which is why the Australian and Victorian Governments have been working in close consultation with the affected regions to decide allocations.
The Victorian Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package will provide:
- Infrastructure - $3 million
- Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges marketing - $2.2 million
- High Country/Australian Alps marketing - $1.5 million
- Gippsland marketing $1.5 million
- Events - $1 million
- Murrindindi - $600,000
- Goldfields - $100,000
- Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges - $100,000
- Grampians - $50,000
- Outdoor education - $50,000
- Australian Alps Mapping Project - $30,000
Mr Holding said that this package is helping regional Victoria to rebuild and market the unique attributes that make our State's towns and villages so attractive to visitors.
"The Australian and Victorian Governments are encouraging people to support these affected areas by visiting them and discovering all the tourism experiences on offer.
"By spending tourist dollars in these communities we are helping to protect jobs and support local economies.
"Spring is a fantastic time of year for regional Victoria and there are so many activities, festivals and attractions on offer in bushfire affected regions," Mr Holding said.