**Check against delivery
It is my pleasure to welcome:
- Dame Elisabeth Murdoch;
- Cr Bev Colomb, Mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council,
- Cr Suzette Trewhitt from Frankston City Council; Visitvineyards.com CEO Robyn Lewis,
- Chair of Mornington Peninsula Tourism John Mitchell
- and you, ladies and gentlemen, to the Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove to celebrate VisitVineyards.com.
The Australian Government is proud to support this project through the Regional Tourism Program.
If you haven't visited the site already, can I recommend you do?
It is exactly the type of resource which regional tourism needs.
It facilitates the sharing of information and experiences among food and wine enthusiasts and ensures they get the most out of each region.
For regional tourism, information is vital: the more you know, the more you'll go.
And visitvineyards.com leaves no stone unturned.
It takes you to all of the special hideaways and secret treasures - no provider is too small.
With 30,000 participating businesses, it provides unique coverage of the country's best wine, food and travel - 100 of these businesses are here on the Mornington Peninsula.
Clearly, I'm not the only one excited by the project.
I'm told that more than 20,000 subscribers have already signed up since June- and it's no wonder.
It has made the task of researching that well-earned break easy.
With more than 70 per cent of consumers researching, planning and booking their travel online, I am sure this success is just the beginning.
This is the kind of program the sector needs - it encourages long-term tourism throughout rural and regional Australia and promotes a longer tourism experience.
Earlier this year on 8 May, I announced the development of the National Long-term Tourism Strategy.
This strategy will identify the supply-side and capacity issues that currently restrict tourism's growth.
In keeping with this focus of strategic planning and investment, I am pleased to support an initiative that encourages best practice and innovation within the industry.
A must-see destination becomes a must-stay destination with the added knowledge of what that destination can offer.
And I know we're all for regional tourism.
Tourism is a key employer in regional communities and this initiative encourages greater dispersal of the tourist dollar.
This of course is not just good for jobs, but good for the economy and local business.
This tourism-boosting venture has gained widespread industry and government support, including a $75,000 grant through the Regional Tourism Program.
Thanks to VisitVineyards.com, visitors can craft an itinerary to suit their specific interests - whether it be visiting a winery; staying overnight at a secluded retreat; or sampling homemade chocolates from a local chocolatier.
This site ensures both travellers and providers get the best out of our fantastic regional food and wine experiences, and the diverse range of tourism experiences throughout Australia.
Ladies and gentlemen, information is essential to planning a holiday.
I congratulate Robyn Lewis and her staff for making their vision a reality.