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NEW $30 MILLION FUND TO ACTIVATE TOURISM IN REGIONAL NSW
Big ticket tourism attractions that will put regional towns on the map and improve accessibility for people with a disability are set to receive a significant funding boost, thanks to the NSW Government.
This week the new $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund was announced, which will deliver new or upgraded tourism infrastructure as well as improve accessibility and inclusion for people with a disability.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said: “This brand new 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 towns and giving people even more reasons to take a holiday in the regions.
“We are also supporting accessibility and inclusion improvements by funding upgrades such as a lift in a multi-level venue and clear access pathways to give more people with disability the opportunity to experience what our regions have to offer.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said supporting tourism also supported local jobs and expands local economies, creating beneficial flow-on effects for traders and creates new opportunities for investment.
“With few overseas travel options available, the NSW Government is strengthening tourism in regional NSW. This funding will ensure the industry prospers and continues to play an important role in our economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
Under Stream One, grants between $200,000 and $5 million are available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences, while Stream Two provides grants between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects that will improve the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with a disability.
The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications are open and close on 11 August 2021. For more information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.
MORE THAN $1 BILLION COMMITTED TO THE BRADFIELD CITY CENTRE
The NSW Government has committed $1.15 billion to kick start work on the Bradfield City Centre, supporting thousands of jobs on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the funding paved the way for work on the project to begin this year, starting the creation of a world class city precinct that will support up to 17,600 highly skilled jobs.
“This is another exciting step forward in realising the Government’s vision for this city-building project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have named the new Aerotropolis city, Bradfield, and now work is set to begin to turn what is essentially a paddock today into a thriving global city centre.”
The commitment includes $975.5 million in enabling works to establish, remediate and allow site access to about 100 hectares of land. The funding will also help to create a key Indo-Pacific economic hub, unleashing international investment in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, agri-business, pharma, freight and logistics, health and education.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said there was also funding to establish the First Building in the Bradfield City Centre and for a four-year pilot of the New Education and Training Model (NETM).
“The government has committed $138.2 million for the First Building which includes a $24.9 million high-tech facility which will house $22.9 million worth of shared-use equipment for research institutions and industry to collaborate,” Mr Ayres said.
The funding commitment will deliver the first stage of Australia’s first 22nd century city, attracting global competitive advanced industries and driving the creation of 200,000 new jobs across the Western Parkland City. Read the full announcement online.
NEW ICONIC WALKS TO SHOWCASE STATE’S EXTRAORDINARY NATIONAL PARKS
NSW will soon be home to new iconic multi-day walks in the State’s spectacular national parks, thanks to $80 million in funding as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Environment Matt Kean unveiled the first walk this week – The Great Southern Walk – which will stretch 59-kilometres and showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the Illawarra Escarpment, Royal and Kamay Botany Bay National Parks.
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government wanted the State’s national parks to become ‘must-see’ destinations of global significance.
“From Border Ranges in the north, to Kosciuszko in the south, to Hat Head in the east and Mungo in the west, visitation across our extraordinary National Parks estate has surged in the past 12 months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This $80 million budget injection will enable us to add new iconic experiences to our tourism arsenal, drawing keen hikers from around Australia and when borders reopen the world, to our spectacular regions giving local small businesses and tourism operators a much-needed boost.
“The first of the walks – The Great Southern Walk – will provide a spectacular 5-day experience with a range of new accommodation options such as cabins and ‘glamping’ sites dotted along the track to welcome walkers at the end of each day’s trek.”
Environment Minister Matt Kean said a new mountain biking network would also be created across the Escarpment and become a major drawcard for visitors to the area.
“This new mountain bike track will offer riders over 44 kilometres of uninterrupted, sustainably managed track between Mount Keira and Mount Kembla,” Mr Kean said.
The walk, expected to be complete in 2024, will boost the local tourism economy and create local jobs both during construction and as the walk welcomes national and international visitors. Details on a second iconic multi-day walk will be released in coming months.
BUSINESS EVENTS TURBOCHARGED ACROSS NSW
A total of 27 business events across NSW will receive grants of up to $30,000, helping to turbocharge local economies and create more jobs across the State.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said while it had been incredibly tough for the business events sector, now was the time to rebuild business confidence and kick-start momentum across the industry.
“From Ballina and Coffs Harbour to Bathurst, and the Murray, the events will be staged across various corners of regional NSW, hosting more than 35,000 delegates in our State,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants will not only support event managers and venues, but it will have huge flow-on effects and will help to boost the entire supply chain, putting more dollars into the pockets of local businesspeople and creating jobs.”
Mr Ayres said the opening of the $500,000 NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund in February could not have come at a better time, as the return of more face-to-face events ramps up.
“There’s a strong appetite among NSW businesses to get back to hosting and attending face-to-face events. People have a strong desire to build business connections in-person, while still taking advantage of virtual events,” he said.
Managed by Destination NSW, the NSW Regional Business Event Development Fund offers matched dollar-for-dollar funding of grants up to $30,000, and is designed to assist stakeholders create and attract business events for regional NSW while also supporting new business event initiatives.
For more information about regional business events in NSW, go to www.meetinnsw.com.au.
INDUSTRY LEADERS RECOGNISED THROUGH QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
The Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List recognised 1,190 Australians including several NSW community members who have contributed to the State’s visitor economy.
Among the recipients were:
The late Matthew Deveson – for service to the community of Narooma (founding committee member Narooma Oyster Festival)
Lincoln John Hart – for service to the tourism industry (current chair, tourism, for Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tourism Australia director)
Cameron Kerr – for distinguished service to wildlife conservation, to animal science education and to zoological associations (Director and Chief Executive of Taronga Conservation Society of Australia)
Christine McLoughlin – for significant service to business, to the not-for-profit sector and to women (Destination NSW Chairman, chairman and co-founder Minerva Network, Chairman Suncorp Group, Chancellor University of Wollongong)
Charlotte Vidor – for significant service to the multicultural community, to tourism and to urban planning (board member of former Events New South Wales and Tourism New South Wales).
In announcing the list, Governor General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC said: “Each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated. Collectively, they speak to who we are as a nation. There is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.
“I am pleased that this list includes the highest ever percentage of women (44 per cent) recognised through the General Division of the Order of Australia. It is important that the Order of Australia represents the diversity and strength of Australia – for this to happen we need to ensure outstanding women, members of our multicultural community and First Nations people are nominated by their peers in the community.”
For the full list, go to gg.gov.au.
DESTINATION NSW COMMENCES 2021 NSW ABORIGINAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Destination NSW is holding a series of Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Workshops in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council (NATOC).
The workshops are part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW, to assist tourism businesses around the State to develop, promote and sell their tourism products.
The goal of the experience development workshops is to guide aspiring and emerging Aboriginal tourism operators to gain a greater understanding of the tourism sector and provide access to services to further develop their business.
The two-day workshops are free to attend and include on-country experiences, a welcome dinner and a workshop program with presentations and case studies from a range of stakeholders.
The NSW Aboriginal Tourism Experience Development Workshops will be held:
22 - 23 June - Shoalhaven
27 - 28 July - Albury
17 - 18 August - Tamworth
21 - 22 September - Western Sydney
19 - 20 October - Blue Mountains
9 - 10 November - South West Rocks
16 - 17 November - Eden
Registration for the workshop program is by invitation only. If you are developing an Aboriginal tourism product and are interested in attending, please contact Destination NSW's trade and industry development team.
CROSS-GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION DRIVING VISITOR ECONOMY RECOVERY
“The visitor economy is everyone’s business” was the message from the second Visitor Economy Senior Officers Group meeting held this week.
The group’s role is to ensure the 60 strategies and initiatives outlined in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 are delivered in a collaborative and coordinated way. It meets three to four times per year and first met on 22 March 2021.
Destination NSW established the group to drive greater coordination across the NSW Government and support the visitor economy to recover from the impacts COVID-19 and natural disasters.
It consists of senior executives from across the NSW Government responsible for transport, customer service, infrastructure, planning, local government, urban and regional development, investment attraction, international education, venues, sport, parks, land management, Aboriginal affairs, arts, screen and culture.
At the second meeting held this week, members discussed important issues impacting businesses in NSW, such as skills shortages, and the NSW Government’s pilot plan for international students to return to Sydney from mid-year.
The group heard from Investment NSW’s Chief Advisor, Eamon Waterford, and the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues, on work to reinforce NSW’s global position as a safe and attractive place to do business.
Destination NSW provided an update on the new visitor brand strategy for Sydney and NSW and the Tourism Infrastructure Strategy, both of which are currently under development. NSW has the largest infrastructure pipeline in Australia, and the brand strategy for Sydney and NSW needs to evolve to reflect new visitor attractions, precincts and experiences that will open in the next few years.
SPLENDOUR IN THE CITY TO BRING LIVE MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE TO SYDNEY
Splendour in the Grass, with support from the NSW Government, will present a new boutique Sydney pop-up event, Splendour in the City, this July.
Splendour in the City will offer Sydneysiders and visitors nine days of Splendour entertainment, for a taste of the iconic live music experience made famous in Byron Bay.
Artists including Vera Blue, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley and Spacey Jane will perform in intimate gigs at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal between 10 and 18 July, in addition to comedy shows, food and drink and family-friendly activities.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said Splendour in the City was made possible through the NSW Government’s vision and support for CBD businesses.
“We’re proud to support event owners such as Splendour in the Grass to explore new endeavours that provide economic and social benefit to our community," Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Splendour in the City would be a free pop-up adaptation of the Splendour in the Grass village set up with ticketed music and comedy events.
“Splendour in the City will reinforce why Sydney is the greatest city in the world – we're open for business and we’re enjoying COVID-safe live entertainment against the most spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Ayres said.
The nine days will feature more than 20 artists across two rooms – Customs and Cargo Hall – plus the Comedy Club, long table dining, specialty bars including The Strummer Bar and The Winery, art installations, markets, Little Splendour kid's program and a pop-up VR room and more.
Read the full announcement online. For information and tickets, go to www.splendourinthecity.com.
POWERHOUSE ULTIMO TRANSFORMATION PUTS DESIGN AT THE FOREFRONT
The NSW Government this week announced design and fashion would be at the forefront of the Powerhouse Ultimo transformation with a commitment to adapt one of Australia’s most revered museums.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the fresh investment in Powerhouse Ultimo would be another significant investment into cultural infrastructure for the State and a coup for the creative sector.
“Our investment in transforming Powerhouse Ultimo alongside establishing the Powerhouse Parramatta cements Sydney as Australia’s leading cultural destination,” Mr Harwin said.
“The updated Powerhouse Ultimo will provide new support to the NSW design and creative industries through skills development, pathways into employment and supported studios and workspaces.
“The Powerhouse Museum has the most important design collection in Australia, ranging from some of the finest Australian-made jewels of the 20th Century, key works by Marc Newson, the Catherine Martin design archive alongside Australian designers Carla Zampatti, Romance Was Born, Akira, Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson and International designers Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior.
“The transformation of this iconic museum will create an interlinked precinct with the Goods Line, Darling Harbour and the future Tech Central all creating a new public domain. Exhibition spaces will be improved and expanded providing even more access to the extraordinary Powerhouse collection of over 500,000 objects.”
Business Sydney acting Executive Director Damian Kelly said: “Transforming the iconic Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo will see it become a major addition to the growth of the whole Western Harbour district, complimenting the nearby Tech Central precinct and development of the Pyrmont Peninsula as part of the CBD’s natural westward expansion.”
A design competition to deliver the Powerhouse Ultimo renewal will be led by Create Infrastructure and the Powerhouse Museum. Find out more about the renewal online.
NSW GOVERNMENT SECURES INTERNATIONAL SAILING SPECTACULAR
Sydney’s visitor economy is set for another significant boost with the NSW Government announcing funding to host the Australia Sail Grand Prix Sydney taking place 17-18 December, 2021.
The NSW Government will support the world's most cutting-edge sail racing league in late 2021, ensuring the world-renowned event will continue to deliver benefits for Sydney’s visitor economy.
The event will see eight national teams – featuring the sport’s best athletes – from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States of America descend on Sydney Harbour. The teams will race in identical ultra-high-performance, fully foiling 50-foot catamarans that can reach exhilarating speeds of up to 100km/h.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Government was committed to building a world-class calendar of events to rejuvenate NSW’s visitor tourism and events industry in the wake of COVID-19.
“The event will enhance our city’s reputation as Australia’s premier sporting destination, once again showcasing Sydney on a global stage to prospective international visitors and sporting fans. In 2019, the inaugural SailGP season attracted a worldwide broadcast audience of 257 million across five events, as well as over 133,000 spectators,” Mr Ayres said.
The event takes place over two days and features five fleet races leading to a final podium race between the top three placed boats to determine the overall winner. Points are accumulated in each race throughout the season, culminating in a winner-takes-all grand final race between the highest ranked teams for the SailGP championship.
The Australia Sail Grand Prix Sydney will be held on Sydney Harbour from 17–18 December 2021.
WOLLONGONG 2022 UNVEILS BRAND FOR UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wollongong 2022, the Local Organising Committee for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, has unveiled a distinctive new event brand, to act as an important springboard as it steps up its preparations for one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious annual events, and the largest ever event to take place in Wollongong.
The identity, comprising a bold new “W22” bike symbol and striking graphics (dubbed “Cadence”), has been six months in development, and is the product of a significant stakeholder consultation, consumer research and brand strategy development process.
The creative was developed by WiteKite, a leading NSW agency specialising in brand and design for sport, event and place.
Wollongong 2022 CEO Stu Taggart said: “This is the right event at the right time for Wollongong, and our new brand strategy really brings that to life. There’s a particular type of positive energy that comes from Wollongong. From the way the escarpment folds around the city and ocean. The lifestyle that those features create. The warmth and resilience and down-to-earth nature of the people. It’s infectious, and we want to bring all of that to this event.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The UCI Road World Cycling Championships is part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups In 10 Years initiative and will bring an estimated $94 million in total visitor spend to the region. This exiting milestone to launch the new brand cannot be understated for Wollongong, and will promote the unique energy of the region, attracting more visitors, residents and investors in the years ahead. The brand-new look for Wollongong 2022 will become a calling card for the region during the next 15 months and beyond.”
To see the new brand and find out more about the event go to www.wollongong2022.com.au.
NEW FILM STUDIO FOR COFFS COAST PART OF POTENTIAL REGIONAL JOB PRECINCT
The NSW Government will pursue establishing a Regional Job Precinct in line with the announcement of a brand new film studio at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the project had the potential to elevate Coffs Harbour to the world stage with international demand for filming space currently at an all-time high.
“The proposal, which also includes a boutique hotel, a state-of-the-art film school, an indigenous art gallery and an Olympic and film memorabilia museum, would provide an exciting new industry for the region,” Mr Barilaro said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the studio would support new jobs in high tech cinematics and the state of the art film school will be where our stars of tomorrow can develop and be part of this exciting industry.
“The Australian film industry employs 20,000 people and if the NSW Government can develop and support regional capacity in this area we can ensure the creation of an entirely new regional industry and a potential jobs boom for Coffs Harbour,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW employs around 56 per cent of the Australian screen industry and this project will help Coffs Harbour tap into that, creating a pathway to high-value jobs for more regional young people.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the local community was excited to see this project get underway.
"The NSW Government will work closely with all stakeholders to leverage the potential opportunities this precinct will create. It will further strengthen the Coffs Coast's economic and cultural future," Mr Singh said.
Regional Job Precincts, an extension of the Special Activation Precinct Program, provide planning support to help fast-track approvals and build shared infrastructure to drive growth, investment and development opportunities within regional NSW.
Photo credit: ABC
BLUE PLAQUE PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE HIDDEN HERITAGE IN NSW
Dozens of Blue Plaques will adorn buildings, heritage sites and other places around NSW in the first round of a fresh investment to unlock the State’s hidden history. The new $5 million program included in the forthcoming Budget is designed to showcase key heritage assets and will link to ongoing recording, storytelling and digital initiatives. The first Blue Plaque was unveiled this week at State Heritage-listed Nutcote cottage, the former studio home of celebrated children’s author and illustrator May Gibbs, best known for her Snugglepot and Cuddlepie series. Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said: “Heritage is about recognising and celebrating our progress as a State and a nation. These sites and stories engender a shared sense of belonging, of identity, and connection. In a post-COVID world, focusing on our local communities and local environment has never been more important." For more information visit Heritage NSW.
BILPIN BAKES A WINNER WITH APPLE PIE TRAIL
Bilpin’s Apple Pie Trail is fast becoming this autumn’s ‘must do’ activity, with activities and attractions stretching 15 kilometres along Bells Line Road on either side of the township of Bilpin. The local Visitor Information Centre has made it easy for visitors to find all 11 outlets serving the delights by mapping them with contact details and opening hours on the local tourism website, Discover the Hawkesbury. Adventures along the Trail include fruit picking, which is seasonally available throughout the year in the area. There are also farm animal experiences and roadside produce stalls. Bilpin’s resident cider makers also offer tastings and is a great place for a family picnic. Explore the Bilpin Apple Pie Trail map.
NSW AND ACT TO FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RETURN
The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory universities to collaborate on travel arrangements for the return of international students. The proposed arrangements prioritise the return of students who need to complete practical or onsite components of their course to progress their studies or to graduate. The NSW Government has announced a pilot plan to enable 250 international students to come to Sydney per fortnight. The interim authorisation will allow the participating universities to agree how they will allocate spots under the NSW Government cap. Each university will then independently decide which overseas students are offered the opportunity to return first. The universities will appoint a joint travel agent to source flights and organise travel for returning students. Students will be responsible for booking and paying for their own flights, using a platform established by the travel provider.
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominations for the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards are now open to all members of the public. Anyone can nominate a candidate as the next Australian of the Year – someone who goes above and beyond, and demonstrates our great Australian spirit. Nominating someone recognises the efforts of a fellow Australian, and it only takes one nomination for someone to be in the running for the awards. There are four awards categories – Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year; Young Australian of the Year; and Australia’s Local Hero. Nominations close at midnight on Saturday, 31 July 2021. For more information and to nominate, go the Australian of the Year website.
MORE THAN $100M TO REMEDIATE MINE SITES IN REGIONAL NSW
Regional communities will benefit from the NSW Government's $107.7 million as part of its Legacy Mines program in the 2021-22 Budget to remediate historic and abandoned mine sites across the State. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW and remedying legacy mine projects of the past while developing the mining projects of tomorrow will accelerate economic growth, support jobs and ensure mining communities remain great places to live and work. “Regional communities were built on the back of mining projects, but these legacy mines were operating at a different time, well before the procedures and requirements we have today for managing chemical use and rehabilitation were put in place,” Mr Barilaro said.
FUNDING BOOST FOR VITAL ABORIGINAL PROGRAMS
The NSW Government has committed $350 million for vital Aboriginal programs to further support some of the most vulnerable people and families in the State. The investment includes $259.6 million capital investment over four years by Aboriginal Housing Office to deliver around 250 new Aboriginal Housing dwellings across the State, and 7,000 upgrades to AHO and community owned homes; $34.1 million in funding to expand the Roads to Home program for up to 10 additional communities based in regional NSW; $30 million over four years to pilot a range of social impact investments; $11.6 million for the continuation of the Services Our Way (SOW) program over two years; and investment in Madoo Museum Cultural Hub, Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation and Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours and the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism Transport Interchange.
FINAL PIECE OF FORESHORE HISTORY SECURED
One of the most picturesque parks on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour is now entirely public space after the remaining parcel of private land was bought by the NSW Government. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the purchase of the remaining part of Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point enables the whole park to now be accessible for generations to come. “Blues Point Reserve is one of our most popular foreshore parks, with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge, but for decades there was a private property cutting the park in two. Our parks define Sydney as the emerald city but I believe we can do more – create more parkland, grow more trees, conserve more bushland and rehabilitate what has been degraded. Bringing this parcel of land into public ownership is a great example of how the NSW Government is expanding and creating more public parkland," Mr Stokes said.
$50M FOR PLANNING PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL STAGE 2
The NSW Government is committing $50 million for planning and development works of Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail in the upcoming 2021-22 NSW Budget. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding would ensure we have the right transport links between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney Olympic Peninsula. “This continues our record investment in public transport infrastructure, which is continuing to support thousands of jobs in our economy while also making Sydney and NSW a better place to live. This money will go towards planning, utilities and geotechnical investigations. It will also progress the development of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement,” Mr Perrottet said.
OFF AND RACING AT REGIONAL RACETRACKS
The NSW Government will invest a record $67 million in regional racetracks in the 2021-22 NSW Budget, to deliver better facilities for punters and racegoers. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said: “This is the largest investment by the NSW Government in racing infrastructure and it is entirely focused on regional NSW. This funding to upgrade racetracks in regional NSW will mean more jobs for locals and more money coming into country towns through increased tourism generated by the capacity to host more high-quality race meets.” Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said: “The recent Cups Carnival programs like Scone, Tamworth and Gunnedah attracted large crowds with people keen to get back on track. Thoroughbred racing is the lifeblood of many country towns, accounting for around 17,700 jobs in the regions and contributes $1.9 billion to the State’s economy. Under the NSW Government, NSW has cemented our position as the leading jurisdiction for racing in the Southern Hemisphere.”
