The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has announced $1.5 million in Federal tourism funding for the development of the Wonthaggi Coal Mine tourism project.
This significant funding has been matched by the Victorian Government to provide $3 million in marketing support and tourism infrastructure including:
- A new visitor centre and interpretive displays throughout the building and the mine site;
- Directional signage and landscaping;
- Realignment of pathways; and
- A landing, fencing, and new rail tracks for the Underground Passenger Transporter Skip.
Minister Ferguson said: "By investing in tourism in regional communities like Wonthaggi, the Rudd Government is assisting families to get jobs where they live.
"Wonthaggi Coal Mine will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more; not just in Wonthaggi but in all the towns on the coastal drive between Melbourne and the Croajingolong National Park in the Coastal Wilderness National Landscape.
"This project celebrates the history and heritage of mining in the region and tells a great story about the things we are famous for - Australian mateship and hard work.
"It is the more recent hard work of the local community and volunteers that has helped to bring this project to fruition.
"Tourism is a very important industry for Australia, employing half a million people and generating almost 4 per cent of our GDP.
"The recent domestic and international visitor numbers suggest tourism businesses made appropriate adjustments to survive the impacts of the global financial crisis. I am pleased consumer confidence is returning and bringing with it more tourism trade.
"As part of the economic stimulus, the Australian Government invested more than $500 million in small business incentives and support to help the 93 per cent of tourism businesses in this category
"Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional economies and I'm confident that with continued support from the Australian Government, places such as Wonthaggi can become even more competitive and prosperous."