Richmond
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It is with great pleasure that I am here today, in this historic and beautiful part of Tasmania to launch this T-QUAL Grants project.
The Wicked Cheese Company has come a long way in a few short years since it’s opening, and I pay tribute to the dedication of Ashley and Jennifer McCoy and all those who pour their energies into this bustling enterprise.
Energy and effort that has been rewarded with dozens of awards received for the fine camemberts, bries and other cheeses you produce.
This project is an example of an innovative tourist product supported by T-QUAL Grants that provides long term benefits to this region.
The new demonstration rooms alongside a tasting area and café will be assets to the local economy for years to come.
I have noticed that as well as your own cheeses, you stock many other local products including olive oil and fruit pastes.
The Tasmanian Whisky that’s available here, I believe, is the same one you use in your marinated whisky cheddar.
This new investment complements the Coal Valley wine trail, adding a unique visitor experience to a region famous for its cool-climate wines and pristine environment.
So the economic fabric of the whole region – not just this particular business – gets a lift when visitors come to Richmond.
That’s why the Australian Government was proud to contribute $110,000 towards this project.
Thanks in part to this investment, your growing legion of admirers around Australia will have even more incentive to add southern Tasmania to their holiday itinerary.
The importance of tourism
As you all know, by contributing $35 billion to the Australian GDP, tourism is vital to the economy.
The Hobart and Surrounds region attracts about two million visitors per year.
Between them they spend over $850 million.
It’s not surprising that nearly five thousand businesses in this region rely on tourism to some extent- and since half of them employ fewer than 20 people, the small business sector as a whole often hinges on tourism.
Yet we must never be complacent.
We can always look for innovative ways to attract people to visit, whether it’s a fresh twist on an ancient craft or a novel way for people to enjoy an historic landscape.
T-QUAL Grants
Last year, the Australian Government allocated nearly $8.5 million to 113 projects, part of the $40 million over four years for T-QUAL Grants.
Today I am pleased to announce that the 2012 round of T-QUAL Grants Tourism Quality Projects is open for applications.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects right across Australia that add value to local tourism industries.
Applications are open until 19 April.
These projects are designed to spur private investment in tourism experiences, anything from eco-cabins and farm stays to wine trails and interactive displays.
To make the most of increasingly strong Asian markets and give Australians more reasons to holiday at home, I challenge the industry to come up with its most innovative ideas yet.
The dollar-for-dollar principle means we leverage private investment – in effect doubling the value of each project.
If just one project offers more reasons to visit, the local economy surrounding it will benefit from extra spending.
And that’s a boon to places like southern Tasmania where tourism is among the biggest employers.
This year businesses with the T-QUAL Tick that was launched to consumers last December will receive extra weighting on their application.
Businesses that meet high standards under T-QUAL Accreditation will ensure T-QUAL Grants achieve the aim of supplying quality tourism products and experiences.
I am pleased that Wicked Cheese is T-QUAL accredited and encourage more tourism businesses to follow your example.
Conclusion
Here in Richmond, the T-QUAL Grants project we launch today is a tangible example of that partnership in action.
I thank Ashley and his team for incorporating our visit into a busy few weeks for the new cheesery, and I wish the Wicked Cheese Company every success.
Thank you