The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed today's launch of a trout tourist facility on South Australia's Limestone Coast which has received $100,000 in Australian Government funding.
The Australian Tourism Development Program funds have been used to renovate and upgrade an accommodation lodge and cafe, incorporating boardwalks and viewing platforms around the Limestone Coast Trout farm and tourist facility in Millicent.
Minister Ferguson said: "Tourism is integral to our economy, and especially the economic vibrancy of regional communities.
"This investment of $100,000 enables Limestone Coast Trout to improve the visitor experience and attract even more people to the region.
I'm also confident that locally-made produce will find an even bigger market as a result of this funding from the Australian Tourism Development Program."
Limestone Coast Trout's produce shop stocks fresh and smoked trout products and local produce including cheeses and small goods, jams, honey and condiments, coffee and chocolates, olive oils and bush spices, fruit, vegetables, seasonal juices and gift hampers.
The Australian Tourism Development Program has been redeveloped to bring its objectives in line with the Australian Government's vision for the tourism industry. The TQUAL Grants program - which has replaced the Australian Tourism Development Program - focuses on encouraging quality and innovation in the development of tourism product.
Minister Ferguson said: "Local tourism projects such as the Limestone Coast Trout upgrade are a cornerstone of our plans for the tourism industry and we will continue to offer competitive grants through our TQUAL Grants program and provide funding for innovative tourism projects throughout Australia.
"Innovation and service will be the future for Australia's tourism industry and I am confident the South Australian tourism industry will continue to develop exciting projects and welcome new visitors to the state."