No images? Click here
DESTINATION NSW SUPPORTS BUSHFIRE RELIEF ACTIVITIES
NSW is facing unprecedented bushfires and emergency services, in particular the Rural Fire Service, continue to work tirelessly on bushfire relief efforts statewide as the situation evolves.
Yesterday (THURSDAY) Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a State of Emergency for the next seven days as the State prepares for heatwave conditions, and she urged people to be aware of the unpredictable and changing circumstances.
Destination NSW is working with stakeholders across Government and industry to support relief efforts, inform and advise visitors and support operators on the ground.
Feedback from operators is that there are locations throughout regional NSW that remain unaffected by bushfire and are safe for visitors to enjoy, however they are facing a perception that all of NSW is under threat. Destination NSW is working on social media and publicity plans to showcase destinations and experiences that have not been impacted by the bushfires.
Tourism operators who are in a position to continue trading may choose to communicate with current and potential clients directly by:
- Providing positive, but balanced, updates via e-newsletters, email and social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) about the current conditions in their area.
- Contacting forward bookings via phone or email to reassure visitors that they are open for business.
- Reconfirming bookings closer to the time of guest arrival.
- Sharing relevant messaging from authorities such as Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, Transport for NSW on social media to help their clients stay informed.
- Following authorities on social media for the latest updates.
- Contacting the local Visitor Information Centre to let them know it’s ‘business as usual’ or update with any changes to operation.
- Sharing positive stories with Destination Networks about business milestones, personal stories about overcoming hardship/community working together, and any changes to your operation.
Destination NSW has representation on multiple regional bushfire recovery committees and continues to liaise with Government agencies about further activity and support for businesses.
For the latest updates regarding the bushfires, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
ROAD CLOSURES IMPACT ACCESS TO REGIONAL AREAS
Transport for NSW advises the public that bushfire recovery efforts have impacted major road corridors, separate to road closures caused by immediate fire threat.
With rapidly changing conditions, the Live Traffic App and website remains the most up to date source of information regarding road closures, which may be a result of response or recovery efforts.
However, the latest advice from Transport for NSW (19/12) includes detail about the following road closures:
Kings Highway
- The Kings Highway remains closed due to immediate threat from active fires. Refer to Live Traffic for current road status.
- It could be some time before TfNSW staff can access the highway to assess the damage and work to re-open the highway.
Princes Highway
- Between Ulladulla to Batemans Bay is once again an active bushfire zone and the highway is susceptible to sudden road closures.
- Due to the active fire situation, please go to Live Traffic for current information.
Pacific Highway – Mid North Coast (around Taree)
- Bushfire affected area of the Pacific Highway is between Failford Road to Taree Interchange at Old Bar Road. Length of 18 kilometres on northbound and southbound carriageways.
- Recovery work has been under way for a number of weeks on this part of the Pacific Highway. Speed limit has been reinstated to 110km/hr.
- There has been considerable damage to guardrails and signs, with about 22 of the 50 damaged guard rail terminals now replaced. Six kilometres of guard rails require replacing and this work is yet to start.
- Damaged signage is being replaced. About 80 per cent of the small signs have been replaced, with the outstanding signs being mostly informational type signs.
- There are about 20 large directional signage requiring replacement. Due to their size it could take some time to manufacture, deliver and install. Temporary variable message signs (VMS) are being used to supplement directional signage.
- Eight temporary VMS will be installed by 23 December to supplement directional signage and provide guidance for customers.
Oxley Highway
- There has been prolonged disruption to this section of the highway due to bushfires
- The road has reopened as of midday today (Thursday), with about 10 kilometres between Ralfe’s Trail and Gingers Creek Store initially under escort arrangements one way in each direction. Traffic management will remain in place 24 hours per day
- The road conditions and traffic arrangements will continue to be monitored daily and adjusted to improve safety and travel efficiency where possible
- Work to restore the will continue into the new year, including repairing or replacing safety barriers and guardrails on dangerous curves, culverts, damaged signs and retaining structures
- While the road has reopened, motorists should expect delays and plan ahead
- Toilets, shade, lighting and parking facilities are available at the escort points.
Gwydir Highway
- Recovery work is well underway with about 100 people working across a 80km section of road. Due to the extensive damage and challenging terrain it will take time.
- We have recently opened the sections from Grafton and Jackadgery and between Glen Innes and Camp Road (the Glen Innes Correctional Centre, Glen Elgin).
- We are still carrying out assessments and clean-up operations from Jackadgery to Glen Innes and do not know at this time when we might re-open. When this section reopens it will likely be under strict traffic management.
- Active fires in that area are affecting visibility and recovery operations at times. Work in this section continues to focus on removing unsafe trees, reinstalling safety barriers and repair road infrastructure.
- Due to the uncertain length of closure we are investigating whether we can facilitate heavy vehicle access through escort but will depend on the ongoing assessment of unsafe trees along the route.
Bells Line of Road
- Currently closed due to immediate threat from bush fires.
- We are communicating with local businesses in the area with information. Due to the active fire situation, please go to Live Traffic for current information.
FAREWELL SANDRA
After eight years in the State’s top promotional role, Sandra Chipchase today ended her time as Destination NSW CEO. Minister Ayres acknowledged the exceptional contribution Ms Chipchase has made to the State’s economy and shaping our nation’s profile.
“There is no denying she has the most outstanding track record of achievement of any tourism, business events or major events executive in the nation,” Minister Ayres said.
“Under Sandra’s exceptional leadership, innovation and negotiation skills, NSW became number one again.”
Following Sandra's departure, Stephen Mahoney has been appointed Acting CEO of Destination NSW. Stephen has been General Manager – Regional NSW for DNSW for two and a half years.
Kylie Menzies, Director Trade and Industry Development, will be the acting General Manager – Regional during Mr Mahoney’s tenure as Acting CEO.
AUSSIE ARK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THIS SUMMER
One of Australia’s largest conservation facilities, Aussie Ark, will open its doors to the public again for a short time only this summer.
Due to popular demand, Aussie Ark is inviting wildlife lovers to see what goes on behind the scenes from January 1 – 28, 10am to 2pm daily. Mandatory guided tours are one hour in duration and start at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm.
Not only does Aussie Ark hold the largest population of the endangered Tasmanian devil on mainland Australia, but it is also home to Eastern quolls, parma wallabies, bandicoots, brush-tailed rock-wallabies, and bettongs.
Set high in the spectacular NSW Barrington Tops, families are invited to escape to the remoteness of Aussie Ark for a day, or make it a weekend of adventure in the Hunter.
Visitors are reminded to follow the latest updates from the Rural Fire Service (rfs.nsw.gov.au), National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au), NSW Police (facebook.com/nswpoliceforce) and Transport Management Centre (livetraffic.com) when planning a trip to the area.
NSW FIRST WINS BIG FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES
Destination NSW’s industry development program, NSW First, has hit significant milestones in 2019, delivering great return and opportunities for tourism operators around the state.
Throughout the year, Destination NSW hosted 32 NSW First workshops for 866 people in 23 locations across Sydney and regional NSW. This included six new wine-focused events and 10 new digital marketing tips workshops.
The program also delivered nine product showcases featuring 63 NSW tourism businesses, and one new product workshop that involved 21 new export-ready sellers and 26 inbound tour operators and online travel agent buyers.
Additional resources to come from the NSW First stream included five travel trade newsletters, and 11 trade factsheets that were distributed at the Australian Tourism Exchange – Australia’s largest business to business travel forum.
The program for 2020 will be released in due course – subscribe to the NSW First database to hear about upcoming events.
SYDNEY FESTIVAL PUTS ON A SHOW IN JANUARY 2020
Sydney Festival is set to engage minds, stir souls and transform the city from January 8-26, 2020 with a stellar line up of theatre, music, visual art, dance and ideas events. Sydney Festival’s 2020 program includes over 75 large-scale public events, exhibitions, installations and performances including Australian exclusives, family-friendly activities and free performances.
Opera Australia is bringing Bran Nue Dae to Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres, celebrating the 30th birthday of the world’s best-loved Aboriginal stage musical, and includes a cameo by Ernie Dingo. (Photo credit Ben Symons)
Be moved by Frontera at Carriageworks – a socially engaged, cutting edge work that features synchronised, intricate and staccato light and projections, scored with live music and accompanied by dance.
Award-winning artist Tim Sharp is bringing superhero Laser Beak Man to Sydney Festival too, combining quirky comedy, more than 35 original puppets, an infectious live soundtrack from Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack and the voice of ABC presenter Leigh Sales for a story of inclusiveness and humanity.
To see the full program and purchase tickets: sydneyfestival.org.au
RIVERINA MURRAY PROMOTES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCOMMODATION
Following a comprehensive audit, analysis of accommodation supply and demand and forecasting based on projected growth of the visitor economy, Destination Riverina Murray has produced a series of investment prospectuses for industry. Phase one of the market assessment identified Wagga Wagga and Eastern Riverina, Griffith and Western Riverina, Albury Hume and the Snowy Valleys as areas that present sound investment opportunities in the accommodation sector. The Riverina Murray Accommodation Market Assessment Report is available to read online, as are the prospectuses which highlight a range of opportunities and growth areas for existing property owners and new entrants to the market. Operators who are considering expanding or developing new accommodation should contact Destination Riverina Murray for more information at info@destinationrm.com.au
BYRON BAY'S BEACH HOTEL SET FOR RECORD SALE
One of Australia’s most famous pubs, The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, is on track to sell to investment group Moelis Australia for a record $100 million. Developed by Paul Hogan’s sidekick John ‘Strop’ Cornell in 1990, the property is one of NSW’s most iconic oceanside watering holes. Moelis Australia Hotel Management CEO Dan Brady said: “The Beach Hotel Byron Bay is an iconic establishment located on irreplaceable real estate. The acquisition of both freehold and operating interests will enable the required capital investment to further enhance what has made the hotel iconic – that is, a great community gathering place with a fun, sociable, friendly and safe hospitality offering delivered by an engaged and passionate team of local hospitality professionals.” The establishment will remain poker machine free.
ESCARPMENT GROUP CONTRIBUTE TO BUSHFIRE RELIEF
Escarpment Group collection of luxury hotels will contribute to the firefighting cause by donating to the Rural Fire Service a portion of every accommodation room and high tea booking this weekend. Escarpment Group, which owns Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Echoes Boutique Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges and the Hydro Majestic Hotel, will contribute $10 per hotel room booking and $2 per high tea booking to Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service. Gold coin donations will also be collected at the annual Charleston Dance for Charity event at the Hydro Majestic on February 8, as they are each year. Escarpment Group operations manager Raphael Guillien said: “we are very grateful to all the RFS volunteers who have sacrificed their time and efforts to protect our community.”
