MARTIN FERGUSON
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
CRAIG THOMSON
Member for Dobell
The Central Coast will soon be able to accommodate more budget travellers, following today’s official launch of newly fitted out backpacker accommodation at The Entrance thanks to the Australian Government's TQUAL Grants.
The Australian Government is investing $110,000 - nearly half the total cost of the fit-out of The Entrance Backpackers - a business is run by husband and wife team of Mark and Sunshine Estivo, who themselves met as backpackers in the 1990s.
“The natural beauty of the Central Coast of NSW makes The Entrance the perfect spot for visitors to experience,” said the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, at today’s launch.
“By offering visitors compelling reasons to experience what we offer, we can be confident of growth. That’s why the Australian Government is investing almost $40 million in the T-QUAL Grants program.
“This year, we announced $8 million in funding for 112 projects across Australia. When you add in the dollar-for-dollar component, in effect that means at least $16 million is being invested.
“Australia’s regions, in particular, benefit from this kind of investment. These grants help regional companies and organisations to expand, modify or diversify their product or service.”
The Member for Dobell, Craig Thomson MP, said it’s worth remembering that visitors spent
$763 million in 2009-10 in the Central Coast region.
“Little wonder there are more than 8,000 businesses in this region alone that rely on tourism to an extent. Half of those employ 20 people or less, so tourism is working hard for the small business sector as a whole,” said Mr Thomson.
“The Entrance Backpackers is a good example of that ripple effect. Those who stay here are more likely to spend money in the community than if this accommodation had never existed.
“The Central Coast has great potential for more backpacker visitors because of its pristine beaches and bushland as well as its easy-going coastal atmosphere and friendly people.”
More on T-QUAL Grants is at www.ret.gov.au/tqual