The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, says the inclusion of South Australia's Flinders Ranges in Tourism Australia's National Landscapes program will see the region's unique natural and cultural history promoted to new national and international audiences.
Minister Ferguson paid tribute to the work of local tourism and community organisations in achieving National Landscapes status during a visit to Wilpena Pound in the heart of the Flinders Ranges today.
The National Landscapes program is a collaboration between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia that promotes Australia's distinctive natural and cultural experiences to Australian and international visitors.
The Flinders Ranges joins the Red Centre, Kakadu, the Australian Alps, the Great Ocean Road, Australia's Coastal Wilderness, the Greater Blue Mountains and the Green Cauldron in achieving National Landscapes status. Another iconic South Australian destination - Kangaroo Island - also recently joined the program.
Minister Ferguson said the National Landscapes program offers a platform for the local tourism industry and community to work with governments to improve the quality of our tourism experiences, while promoting the sustainable management of the region's natural environment.
Minister Ferguson said: "I hope more Australians will experience the unique geological and natural features of the Flinders Ranges, its Indigenous history and culture, as well as the more recent history of European settlement and the pastoral industry."
Minister Ferguson also announced the Federal Government has fulfilled its election commitment to provide $500,000 to support the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, which will be held in South Australia during 2010.
The Federal Government is providing $500,000 to support the event in partnership with the South Australian Government which is expected to attract Australian and international visitors who want to experience a uniquely Australian outback adventure.