The 2008-09 Federal Budget will boost regional and Indigenous tourism with funding of more than $6.4 million.
Under the Australian Tourism Development Program (ATDP), funding of $4.6 million will go to 12 projects in regional and metropolitan Australia to develop quality tourism precincts, experiences, and strategies for growth.
The Business Ready Program for Indigenous Tourism (BRPIT) will inject $1.8 million to support start-up and established Indigenous tourism businesses which are often vital to the economic independence of rural and remote Indigenous communities.
The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson, said "The tourism sector provides jobs for almost half a million Australians and generates $38 billion in GDP. In this Budget the Australian Government is providing targeted measures to strengthen the industry’s base in key regional areas.
"We have allocated a total of $16.0 million to the ATDP over the next four years. Future funding will be competitive and merit-based and will contribute to the development of quality tourism experiences in Australia’s diverse tourism regions.
"ATDP funding will be refocussed on projects which deliver better infrastructure for regional tourism precincts, leverage private sector investment, and demonstrate innovation, a high level of product and service quality, and regional collaboration.
“The development of world-class tourism experiences across the nation will boost incoming tourist numbers and provide long-term jobs and economic security for regional communities through a sustainable tourism industry," Minister Ferguson said.
The extension to the BRPIT program through 2008-09 will enable ongoing support to Indigenous tourism businesses.
Minister Ferguson said "Developing business skills in Indigenous communities to run sustainable Indigenous tourism enterprises holds the promise of increased economic independence for those communities. It is vital that we continue to support the development of these enterprises. In addition, Indigenous tourism is one of Australia’s competitive advantages in international tourism and an opportunity for us to celebrate and preserve our Indigenous heritage.”
In addition to the Budget funding, the Australian Government will progress a National Tourism Strategy aimed at strengthening the tourism industry’s supply-side capacity and maximising the net economic benefits of tourism to the Australian economy. The Strategy will be completed in the second quarter of 2009.
Media contact: Michael Bradley (Canberra) 0420 371 744
Supporting Information
REGIONAL TOURISM
Why is this important?
- Funding is being provided to support regional tourism initiatives through the Australian Tourism Development Program.
- The twelve regional tourism projects announced as election commitments in 2007 will support tourism in regional and metropolitan Australia by developing quality tourism precincts, experiences, and strategies for growth.
- The importance of strengthening regional communities was highlighted in the Government's 2007 election statement on regional policy.
Who will benefit?
- Tourism is a significant contributor to regional economies providing jobs for almost half a million Australians - it assists regional and rural communities to diversify and improve their sustainability.
- The specific projects to be supported are:
- $0.500 million for the first stage of a tourism strategy to encourage people to stay overnight and experience the heritage of Parramatta (NSW);
- $0.100 million to promote Batemans Bay township as a holiday destination during autumn and spring (NSW);
- $1.500 million to upgrade the Wonthaggi Coal Mine Visitor Centre (Vic);
- $0.500 million to restore the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (Vic);
- $0.450 million to upgrade the Creswick Visitor's Information Centre (Vic);
- $0.185 million to upgrade the Table Cape Lighthouse for commercially operated tours (Tas);
- $0.166 million for an environmental audit program involving 40 tourism operators in the Huon Valley and Kingsborough (Tas);
- $0.050 million to refurbish a locomotive for tourist rail services in the Derwent Valley (Tas);
- $0.500 million for the 2009 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive (SA);
- $0.075 million to refurbish the South Perth Old Mill as a tourism precinct (WA);
- $0.500 million to invigorate the Red Centre by providing two significant visitor shelters, visitor signage and picnic facilities (NT); and
- $0.100 million for a Central Highlands tourism feasibility study and a development plan for the Rubyvale Gem Centre (Qld).
What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?
BUSINESS READY PROGRAM FOR INDIGENOUS TOURISM
Why is this important?
- The Business Ready Program for Indigenous Tourism (BRPIT) supports start-up and established Indigenous tourism businesses by funding selected mentors to deliver tailored intensive business support. The emphasis is on the development of the skills necessary to run a financially viable business in the tourism industry.
- Indigenous tourism is one of Australia's competitive advantages in the international market place. The importance of promoting these unique experiences to the international market was highlighted in the Government's 2007 election policy statement on Indigenous Economic Development. Accordingly, this budget measure includes funding for the purpose of promoting Indigenous tourism internationally.
Who will benefit?
- Tourism provides Indigenous individuals and communities with the opportunity for economic independence and the chance to preserve and celebrate the many Indigenous cultures.
What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?