The Clarence Valley tourism industry has been buoyed with the launch of the Clarence River Way Masterplan - an Australian Government funded initiative which encourages innovative and high quality product development in New South Wales' Clarence river region.
The Clarence Valley Council received a grant of $105,000 to develop key visitor zones in Yamba, Iluka, Maclean, Ulmurra and Grafton. The funding was provided through the Australian Tourism Development Program.
The project sought to refocus tourism resources to where they are most needed, establish a single vision for tourism in the region and set new development and infrastructure goals for the area.
The project was launched by the Member for Page, Janelle Saffin MP, on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP.
Ms Saffin said: "Tourism is extremely important to regional communities throughout Australia and ours is no different.
"The Clarence River Way Masterplan will encourage industry to plan for the future and make the most of the stunning natural attributes and existing tourism infrastructure we have.
"By setting high, but achievable, infrastructure and development goals, the Clarence River Way Masterplan will help tourism operators and the community thrive well into the future," she said.
Minister Ferguson said: "This project will help strengthen the tourism industry in regional New South Wales.
"With its stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, and wonderful fresh produce, the Clarence Valley is already a magnificent tourist destination. But the improvements which will flow from today's announcement will help the region's tourism industry enjoy even more success well into the future."
On 15 April 2009, Minister Ferguson announced the $8.5 million TQUAL Grants program will replace the Australian Tourism Development Program. Funding announcements will be made in the near future.