Big ticket tourism attractions that will put regional towns on the map and improve accessibility for people with disability are set to receive a significant funding boost, thanks to the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders today announced applications are open for the $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund to deliver new or upgraded tourism infrastructure and improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disability.
Mr Saunders said the fund will support the construction of new iconic visitor experiences or unique event spaces, boosting the profile of regional NSW and giving people even more reasons to take a holiday in the regions.
“Our region is one of the premium tourism destinations in NSW, but there is always more that can be done so I’m encouraging local councils and tourism operators to come forward and apply for funding,” he said.
“We’ve seen in recent times that sports tourism is growing across the electorate, and that adds to what we already have on offer through things such as Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Wellington Caves, and Mudgee’s fine food and wine.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this latest funding top up boosts the Regional Growth Fund’s Regional Events and Tourism package to $50 million and follows the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund that is delivering major events to regional NSW, including NRL matches and World Surf League events.
“We’ve attracted big crowds by taking NRL to places like Dubbo and Mudgee, and now we’re building on this momentum by backing new tourism infrastructure projects that will give people even more reasons to visit and extend their length of stay,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are also supporting accessibility and inclusion improvements by funding upgrades such as lifts in multi-level venues and clear access pathways to give more people with disability the opportunity to experience what our regions have to offer.”
Under Stream One, grants of between $200,000 and $5 million are available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences, while Stream Two provides grants of between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects that will improve the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with disability.
The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications open 16 June and close on 11 August 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.