Wednesday, 29 June 2016
LOCAL State MP Adam Marshall has today announced that applications are now open for a $4.8 million fund to bolster local tourism infrastructure projects across the State, including the Northern Tablelands.
Mr Marshall said that local councils, state government entities, Aboriginal Land Councils, non-government organisations and private operators were encouraged to apply for a share of the funds as part of the 2016-17 Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program (TDDI).
“With $4.8 million on offer for tourism projects, I encourage eligible groups to apply whether it is for exhibition facilities, road upgrades or enhancements to parks or museums,” he said.
“This initiative will help boost the local tourism industry and encourage economic growth in communities.
“I certainly encourage all tourism operators and organisations from across our region to submit their applications as soon as they can so they don’t miss out.”
Projects should create and encourage visitation to a destination and fall into the categories of:
• Environmental – the development or enhancement of natural assets;
• Built – such as mixed use, exhibition and sporting facilities;
• Transport – such as roads, rail networks, ports, airports; and
• Enabling – Indigenous tourism development, plans and feasibility studies and programs to improve industry capability.
Project funding must be matched dollar for dollar by project organisers.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres emphasised the importance of tourism infrastructure in ensuring that New South Wales remains the number one destination in Australia.
“NSW is seeing a huge increase in visitor numbers and visitor expenditure, with visitors to the state spending $31.5 billion in the year ending March 2016,” he said.
Further information on the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program, including Guidelines and Application Process, are available on the website at: www.nsw.gov.au/tddi.
Applications close at 2pm on Tuesday, 9 August. All applications must be submitted using the online application form on the NSW eTendering website at: www.etendering.nsw.gov.au.