Looking forward to some further upgrades at the New England Motor Lodge, Director Belinda Stanton, left, and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Friday, 13 August 2021
A FIVE-YEAR project to renovate the popular New England Motor Lodge at Glen Innes will be complete in time for the busy 2021 Christmas period, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall recently announcing a $10,000 State Government tourism grant to install new energy efficient air conditioners throughout the venue.
Mr Marshall said the 12 new units would be a breath of fresh air for the motel, whose staff work hard to provide a welcoming and comfortable visitor experience.
“Accommodation providers are the beating heart of the region’s tourism industry, but prolonged COVID-19 restrictions and border closures has seen that heart in many towns start to weaken,” Mr Marshall said.
“In 2017 the New England Motor Lodge commenced a program of upgrades in the pursuit of an Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) 4-star rating.
“Upgrading the motel’s air conditioners to energy efficient units is the last stage of those renovations. The project will ensure visitors are treated to a comfortable climate-controlled stay, no matter the season.
“The change will also reduce the motels overheads by lowering its power bill.
“The New England Motor Lodge has 25 staff and is just one of around 10 high-quality accommodation venues that provides employment in the Glen Innes community.
“By working together, they ensure the town has accommodation options which suit a variety of markets.
“I’m pleased the State Government has been able to assist this business to complete its renovations and prepare itself for a time when people can freely travel and enjoy all Glen Innes has to offer.”
New England Motor Lodge Director Belinda Stanton said in July 2021, the New England Motor Lodge achieved a 4-star rating following an ATIC audit.
“Having this rating along with our commitment to being a Covid Safe Business is vital in today’s economy,” Ms Stanton.
“Last year we maintained strong occupancy as travellers sought to escape the city during the pandemic.
“More recently, COVID-19 has significantly interrupted our accommodation reservations with multiple cancellations due to border closures and ongoing travel restrictions limiting visitation to Glen Innes.
“Having these renovations complete will be key in promotional strategy once restrictions ease and people again start to travel.
“We expect the new units will be installed within three months, with Chris Manuel Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Inverell carrying out the installations and Peter Ogle, Building Contractor from Glen Innes assisting with paint works.
“The safety and wellbeing of all guests and our staff are paramount to our team is very proud of both the renovations and achieving the new rating.”
The $10,000 grant was provided through the NSW Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund – Refresh and Renew Fund.
Businesses involved in the NSW visitor economy that are affected by the COVID-19 related restrictions may also be eligible for funding through the Commonwealth and State Government’s $5.1 billion support package announced on Tuesday 13 July.
For more information about all support available to businesses, go to Service NSW: www.service.nsw.gov.au