The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has opened the state-of-the-art Eco Luxe at Mount Avoca ecotourism development, which received $100,000 in Australian Government funding under the Australian Tourism Development Program.
The two eco lodges incorporate world-leading environmental practices such as passive heating and cooling, eco-friendly materials, organic sewerage disposal and even used Australian-designed Mega Anchors in place of traditional concrete foundations to minimise CO2 emissions.
Minister Ferguson said: "At a time of economic uncertainty, developments such as this take on new significance. New developments demonstrate confidence in the tourism industry and the capacity of the industry to come through the current economic uncertainty.
"It is especially important in Victoria which was so heavily impacted by the Black Saturday bushfires. While Mount Avoca itself escaped the fires, many other regions nearby were not so lucky. To help affected areas rebuild, I was pleased to announce $5 million in federal funds for the Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package to help tourism operators throughout the region.
"By supporting tourism - an important local employer and economic driver - we can rebuild communities from disasters such as bushfires and buffer them from events such as the global financial crisis.
"The Government is also pleased to be able to assist businesses which are seeking to innovate and develop important new products. I recently announced the Government will help tourism operators better position the Australian tourism industry in a highly competitive market with an $8.5 million commitment to the TQUAL grants scheme.
"If Australia's tourism industry is to continue to succeed, it must grow through innovation. TQUAL grants will help broaden the tourism product on offer and will encourage tourism businesses to work together to maximise the opportunities their regions present.
"Tourism is an important component of the Australian economy, employing almost half a million people, often in regional and rural areas."