Dave Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced that 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.
Mr Layzell said 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.
“Our Upper Hunter Electorate is an integral part of our state’s tourism industry, and this new fund will continue to enable our local businesses and industries to create a safer, stronger NSW.”
“With many much-loved local and regional events returning in 2021, I would encourage our communities in Upper Hunter to apply and take advantage of this new funding.”
Mr 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 the bush and bringing the World Surf League events like the Tweed Coast Pro to the regions 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.
“Tourists visiting regional towns means more heads on beds and dollars spent at cafes, restaurants and local shops, which is supporting local salaries and helping to create new jobs and investment opportunities.”
“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.
Applications open 16 June and close on 11 August 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.
Mr Layzell continued, saying the $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund.
“The fund will support the construction of new iconic visitor experiences, such as cliff-top walks or unique event spaces, boosting the profile of regional NSW and giving people even more reasons to take a holiday in the regions,” Mr Layzell concluded.
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