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PORT MACQUARIE HOSTS 2021 DESTINATION AND VISITOR ECONOMY CONFERENCE
Port Macquarie last week welcomed more than 250 local government representatives and industry professionals for a three-day conference to discuss ways of enhancing the visitor economy and creating new jobs across NSW.
An annual event, the Local Government NSW's (LGNSW) 2021 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference expanded its scope this year to include a strong focus on the major role which councils play in economic development within their communities.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres and Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox both delivered keynote addresses, with Steve Cox outlining opportunities for local government to support the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.
Mr Ayres said it was a fantastic opportunity to meet with industry stakeholders with the shared vision of growing the State’s visitor economy.
“The visitor economy is everybody’s business, and the LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference provided us with a valuable platform to spread that message," Mr Ayres said.
“Councils have always had a strong role to play in growing the visitor economy, and it was great to speak with representatives at a grassroots level to learn more about how we can work together to drive local investment and jobs, and above all, contribute to our State's recovery."
LGNSW President Linda Scott said councils were key facilitators of the sector.
"Councils are well placed to provide a locally led economic recovery for their communities and tourism is a key aspect of that recovery for many of our local government areas,” Ms Scott said.
Delegates also had the opportunity to visit, listen and learn from several local tourism operators as part of site inspections which were integrated into the conference program.
The theme for the 2021 conference was 'Creating Destinations for Living, Learning, Visiting and Investing'.
AFTERPAY AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK STRIDES AHEAD, INDUSTRY REPORT LAUNCHED
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) became the first international Fashion Week to stage live runway shows post-COVID, entertaining thousands of industry, media and fashion fans across Sydney this week.
From the event hub at Carriageworks to shows set against iconic Sydney backdrops, AAFW received widespread support and media coverage in celebration of the latest resort collections from established and emerging Australian designers.
The event opened on Monday morning with a festival first, a Welcome to Country presentation curated by Grace Lillian Lee in consultation with First Nations Fashion Design, followed by the official opening by Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres and IMG Vice President Fashion Events Asia Pacific Natalie Xenita.
Mr Ayres said: “Sydney is the proud home of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, which is a platform to showcase design and creativity, celebrate industry, foster discussion and partnerships between Australia’s creative leaders while attracting visitors to the Harbour City for a world-class event. It’s wonderful that these important sectors are recognised for their economic and social contribution, and there’s nowhere better to acknowledge that than at the country’s pre-eminent international fashion event, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.”
Also on Monday, a new report commissioned by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), in collaboration with Afterpay, was released stating that the Australian fashion and textiles industry:
- Contributes more than $27.2 billion to the Australian economy
- Employs 489,000 Australians (315,000 full time) - more than mining and utilities
- Generates $7.2 billion in export revenue, totalling 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports, more than double the value of wine and beer exports
- Creates opportunities for women, with 77 per cent of the workforce female, compared to the national average of 47 per cent.
The report, From High Fashion to High Vis -The economic contribution of Australia’s fashion and textiles sector, is the most comprehensive study of the entire fashion and textiles ecosystem in Australia.
Overall, the industry’s economic impact both direct ($16.3 billion) and indirect ($10.9 billion) represents growth of 1.5 per cent of the national economy.
The report underscored how significantly the fashion and textiles sector drives regional prosperity and visitor economy growth, given the industry’s physical retail presence in every local shopping centre and main street across the country.
The research highlights the complex footprint of the fashion and textiles industry – from design, textile, manufacturing, retail, and education – and its interaction with the broader economy, including wool and cotton production, tourism, media and creative professional services and the recycling and reuse sectors.
Australian Fashion Council Chief Executive Officer Leila Naja Hibri said: “This ground-breaking report highlights the true economic clout of our dynamic and diverse industry. Until now, the comprehensive value of the industry’s economic contribution – and its predominantly female workforce – has not been fully recognised. Now we can better understand the impact of this sector’s significant role in Australia’s creative economy, and the substantial potential of its future.”
MORE CYCLISTS TO PEDAL INTO THE SNOWIES FOR NEW GRAN FONDO EVENT
Local businesses in the Snowy Mountains will reap the tourism and economic benefits of a new Grand Fondo-style cycling event that has been secured for five years from 2022 by the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the Snowy Mountains had become known as an iconic cycling destination, so to have secured the Snowy Classic for a five-year period, was a massive coup for the region.
“The Snowy Classic will not only celebrate our world-class cycling experiences and incredible scenery, it will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy by attracting visitors to the region and supporting local businesses," Mr Barilaro said.
“The more events we can bring into the region, the closer we get to achieving our Snowy Mountains Precinct vision – which is to increase year-round tourism and solidify the Snowy Mountains as a must-visit destination year round."
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Snowy Classic was expected to inject $4.16 million into the State’s economy across the five-year period.
“Kicking off in March 2022, this new cycling event will offer competitors a 160km and 110km ride while attracting thousands of visitors to one of Australia’s best outdoor adventure playgrounds," My Ayres said.
“NSW continues to show that it is head and shoulders above the rest – our State is not only hosting an array of events in a way that is COVID-safe, but we are continuing to secure premier events well beyond 2021."
Founder of the Snowy Classic James Yaffa said he was thrilled to have the support of the NSW Government, particularly as the region continues to gain popularity as an all-year round destination for recreational sports.
“The Snowy Mountains is simply stunning, and this new Gran Fondo will be a fantastic addition to our family of Classics. Many regional NSW areas have encountered challenging times of late, and our core objective is to deliver a fun and safe event while helping the region deliver a much-needed tourism boost,” Mr Yaffa said.
Delivered by Bicycling Australia, the 2022 Snowy Classic is scheduled for 26 March. For further information, go to www.snowyclassic.com.au.
DESTINATION NSW DRIVING RESULTS FOR TOURISM OPERATORS
Destination NSW’s comprehensive marketing programs are driving strong results for the State’s tourism operators, with hundreds of thousands of direct leads to industry and high engagement online.
Two of Destination NSW’s key projects of the past 12 months – Sydney Love It Like You Mean It and NSW Road Trips – have attracted more than 7.5 million video views, generated 850,000 leads to industry and attracted more than 1.2 million people to VisitNSW.com.
In the event sector, Sydney Solstice and Vivid Sydney are proving very popular among online audiences. Sydney Solstice, which will take place from 8 to 20 June, has garnered 93,000 visits to the website and almost 30,000 direct leads to industry.
Meanwhile, Vivid Sydney - which launched its 2021 program last week - is creating buzz among interstate visitors with more than half of all web traffic through the campaign coming from viewers outside of NSW. Vivid Sydney’s sizzle reel has also received 197,000 views in its first week. This complements the extensive media coverage secured by Destination NSW for the Vivid Sydney program launch, which has reached more than 250 million people.
Broader event campaign content promoting the range of events occurring and upcoming in Sydney and regional NSW has driven almost 330,000 leads for industry since last July.
All activity in Victoria is currently paused while local restrictions remain in place.
Image credit: Daniel Boud
HISTORIC AGREEMENT MARKS NSW FIRST BLUEPRINT FOR CROWN LAND
Some of the State’s most significant public assets will be transformed into iconic tourism destinations under a historic agreement between Destination NSW and Crown Lands.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres to transform Crown reserves into tourism hubs.
The agreement marks the launch of NSW’s first-ever State Strategic Plan for Crown Land.
Ms Pavey said there were around 34 million hectares of Crown Land in NSW covering 42 per cent of the State, and the 10 year Crown land 2031 strategy would ensure the land is put to its best use to benefit communities.
“Crown land is community land, we want our communities to unlock its full potential to support not only the local economy, but also its heritage and cultural opportunities, while keeping it in public ownership."
Mr Ayres said: “People know just how lucky we are to live in NSW, from the city, the coast, to western parts of the state – each community is vastly different, with its own unique characteristics."
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said it was great to have the launch of the State Strategic Plan in Forster.
"Crown Lands are multiuse hubs which bring community groups together. I am excited to see how this will grow and provide opportunities to our Crown Land and bring an extra economic boost to our region,” Mr Bromhead said.
GREATER BENEFITS FOR TOUR OPERATORS IN NSW NATIONAL PARKS
Nature-based tour operators will now find it easier and cheaper to re-start their businesses after the 2019-20 bushfires, with the NSW Government announcing that from 1 July 2021, operators will be offered a one-off discount on their licence and a package of support for surging visitation.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said: “We want to help Parks Eco Pass commercial tour operators to get back on their feet and provide exceptional visitor experiences, so we have changed the licence system.
“Be it stand up paddle boarding in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or cultural heritage tours in Gulaga National Park, our parks have never been busier and there are hundreds of high-quality tours for visitors to enjoy.”
To help business re-start their nature-based tours, there are also shortened turnaround times for licence applications with free promotion on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Website.
Free Parks Eco Pass licences will be offered to Aboriginal-owned operators for the first two years to encourage and support new businesses to operate on Country.
For more information on changes to Parks Eco Passes for tour operators, go to the NPWS website.
PLANS TO REVITALISE FORT DENISON
New dining options, spectacular harbour views and educational tours celebrating the heritage of Fort Denison’s unique site will soon be available for the whole community to enjoy.
As part of the NSW Government’s plan to revitalise Fort Denison, the up to 25-year lease to operate a restaurant, manage functions and conduct tours on the Sydney Harbour island was awarded to Fort Denison Dining, part of The Point Group, following a competitive tender process.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said Fort Denison had long been the forgotten jewel in the spectacular Sydney Harbour crown.
“We wanted to right that wrong and deliver a state-of-the-art visitor experience for the whole community to enjoy, that celebrates the unique heritage and environmental values of this iconic site," Mr Kean said.
“The proposal put forward by the Fort Denison Dining team delivers on all of those fronts, and I look forward to seeing Fort Denison reach its potential and become a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike."
The Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said the re-imagined Fort Denison will be a place for everyone – for families, visitors and tourists.
“Our Fort Denison team has worked for more than two years to develop an extraordinary design that respects and celebrates the shared history and heritage of the island. We look forward to making an important contribution to the revitalisation of the tourism and hospitality industries in Sydney,” Mr Robinson said.
The site is expected to open to the public in late 2022.
$24 MILLION TO FUND SOLUTIONS FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESSES
The NSW Government has launched a new initiative for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which will receive $24 million in funding over its first two years.
The establishment of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was the first Priority Action recommended in the Turning Ideas into Jobs – Accelerating Research and Development in NSW Action Plan, launched by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on 25 January 2021.
“The Action Plan stressed the increasing need to be proactive in supporting and attracting new businesses, especially in future industries that will sustain economic growth, productivity and employment.
“The SBIR program will provide competitive grants for SMEs to find and commercialise innovative solutions to NSW Government agencies for five well-defined problems," Ms Berejiklian said.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Gabrielle Upton MP encouraged business to get involved.
“The program will tackle important challenges including assisting vision-impaired customers navigate the public transport network, increasing the resilience of regional and remote communications networks, quantify the number and extent of koalas in NSW, reduce contamination in wastewater and reducing PPE waste in the health system,” Ms Upton said.
David Gonski AC, Chair of the Advisory Council of eminent leaders who guided the NSW Action Plan, said: “The impact of COVID-19 on economic growth and job creation makes the task to commercialise more research and development an urgent one. Rapidly translating ideas into new products and services will be integral to our recovery from the pandemic.”
More information about guidelines and how to apply can be found on the NSW Government website.
CROWNE PLAZA HAWKESBURY VALLEY TRANSFORMATION
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley has revealed a first look at their all-new accommodation offering as part of the resort's recent transformation.
Unveiled in February 2021, the multi-million-dollar transformation shows the first of the resort and spa’s 75 guestrooms, re-imagined with light-filled and modern interiors.
Known for its iconic river, colonial heritage and picturesque countryside, the Hawkesbury has become one of Sydney’s most idyllic destinations for businesses, families and romantics alike.
Coined as the Hawkesbury’s ‘Crown Jewel’, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley now provides guests with an all new, premium accommodation experience. Guests can choose from eight types of hotel rooms, ensuring there are options for couples, families and groups. There are also three onsite restaurant options including the signature Harvest Restaurant, Gazebo Restaurant and the Harvest Bar.
As a leading conferencing and event venue option in regional NSW, corporate guests will also benefit from the newly renovated facilities. In addition to the unique indoor and outdoor function spaces, corporate and event guests will now experience the ‘full package’ with premium guest rooms including the option of twin queen configurations ideal for corporate accommodation.
The final stage of the 18-month refurbishment is scheduled for completion in April 2022. Visitors who book before 30 July 2021, will receive up to 35 per cent off their stay. Visit the website to find out more.
NEW FLOOD-PRONE PLANNING TO COMBAT DISASTERS
Safety and certainty are at the heart of the release of the NSW Government’s updated flood-prone land planning and development rules and guidelines.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes launched the Flood Prone Land Package over the weekend and said as natural disasters become more frequent and severe, communities needed to increase their resilience through better planning.
“Flood resilience starts at the planning level and the March floods, which devastated parts of NSW, were a reminder of how important this has become," Mr Stokes said.
“We support careful development of flood-prone land but that development needs to put community safety first - it's about keeping people and property safe.
“The new guidelines are an important reminder to plan for the future and ensure communities are sufficiently prepared in the event of extreme flooding."
The new package enables councils to have more flexibility to make informed decisions on land planning and development controls in flood-prone areas, giving them greater ability to manage the risk of extreme flooding.
Councils will have six weeks to amend their land use planning documents before the package commences on 14 July 2021. For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/flooding.
100 NEW PUBLIC SPACE PROJECTS PLANNED FOR NSW
Communities across the State will share in $250 million worth of funding to create a legacy of green and accessible public spaces as part of a program that is the first of its kind in NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding supported 60 successful council proposals for more than 100 projects as part of the NSW Government’s inaugural Public Spaces Legacy Program.
“This pandemic has reminded us of the immense value we all place on our public spaces – our parks, streets, plazas, cycleways, foreshores, bushland and walking trails," Mr Perrottet said.
“This program and the funding behind it will not only lead to better public spaces, but the work to construct them will boost local economies through the creation of more jobs."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding being delivered to councils was reliant on them meeting agreed targets to speed up local development applications.
“In exchange for legacy funding, councils participating in the program need to speed up their assessment times. They have until June 30 to keep hitting their targets but, so far, the program has seen a 20 per cent improvement," Mr Stokes said.
“It’s been great to see the unclogging of the planning system as part of this program - 42 of 53 planning proposals that had been stuck in the planning system for more than four years have been resolved and 161 of 168 regionally significant development applications have been cleared.
“We’re offering funding from $2 million to $5.5 million for projects from Albury to Byron and from Dubbo to Sydney, including parklands, trails, foreshore and riverfront precincts, plazas and street improvements."
Councils will be provided with funding for project planning and design and will have until 30 June 2021 to demonstrate they have met DA assessment performance improvements to lock in their full allocation of funding ahead of construction starting from August.
For more information, visit the NSW Government website.
DINING GOES STREET-SIDE ACROSS SYDNEY
Inner-city restaurants, bars and cafes are backing fast-tracked Al Fresco dining options, as Sydneysiders show they’re happy to pull up a seat and relax in the new-look street eateries.
With the initiative launched in December, the City of Sydney has announced it will waive all Al Fresco dining permit fees until June 2022, with millions of additional dollars earmarked for new outdoor dining.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the success of the outdoor dining initiative showed people were ready to return to the city and support local businesses.
“The city is bouncing back from its forced hibernation and we’re making it easier for more businesses to go Al Fresco, which will give our economy another major boost," Mr Perrottet said.
“We know people want to get back out and enjoy our great city, we’ve seen that with the success of the Sunset Piazza and Culture Up Late programs."
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that to date, 2,690 sqm had been approved under the Al Fresco program, including new road reallocation plus new and expanded approvals on the footpath.
“By working with the NSW Government to cut through red tape and waive fees for outdoor dining permits, we’re supporting local businesses and allowing visitors, residents and workers to enjoy new outdoor dining experiences,” Ms Moore said.
Dolphin Hotel General Manager Paul Burnicle praised the initiative as a hospitality ‘gamechanger’.
“It has really added another element to our venue and Crown Street as a whole. It’s great to see Sydney coming back to life after the year we’ve all endured. “From start to finish, applying to final execution, the whole idea and process has been seamless. Kudos to all for making this happen,” Mr Burnicle said.
The Al Fresco dining initiative was the result of the NSW Government and City of Sydney’s $20 million commitment to support CBD revitalisation due to COVID-19.
NEW MEET IN REGIONAL NSW OPERATOR PORTAL
Destination NSW is pleased to announce the launch of a new operator portal on its regional business events website - MeetInNSW.com.au - where suppliers and venues can list their business profile for event planners and organisers who are looking to hold a corporate event or conference in regional NSW. The new portal will enable operators to login and build their business profile, to change images, upload videos, update contact information, and edit venue capacity charts. Please visit MeetInNSW.com.au for more information or contact 02 9931 1111 if you would like to speak to a member of Destination NSW’s Regional Conferencing team.
BUSINESS EVENTS SYDNEY WELCOMES NEW BOARD DIRECTOR
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has welcomed a new Independent Director, Jason Collins, to the organisation’s Board. BESydney Chair The Hon. Bruce Baird AM, said: “Jason adds tremendous value to our organisation in the incredibly competitive international bidding environment, with strong government and trade global connectivity, particularly within Europe.” As CEO of the European Australian Business Council since 2007, Mr Collins leads the Council’s work in promoting trade and investment between Australia and one of the world’s largest economies – engaging companies, government, and other stakeholders. Mr Collins is also the Chair of the European Business Organisations Worldwide. The Board appointment commences on 1 June 2021 and is for a three-year term.
GIVING TWEED INDIGENOUS YOUTH A PATHWAY TO CREATE THEIR OWN STORIES
‘Giving Youth a Story’, a new program for at risk Indigenous youth, has been launched by Tweed Escapes in collaboration with Tribal Warrior, Banaam, Whose Your Mob and Altum Training. Developed in consultation with the Tweed Byron Aboriginal Land Council and Tweed Aboriginal Coop, students are given the opportunity to work in the Maritime industry and participate in cultural training workshops and mentor programs. The Primary Health Network through the Family Centre funded the 12-week project, which included Aboriginal mentoring and cultural training, as well as the opportunity to attain certification to work on commercial vessels. To hear more about the ‘Giving Youth a Story’, contact Michael Simmons.
NORTH COAST TOURISM SYMPOSIUM & AWARDS GALA DINNER 2021
Destination North Coast is inviting visitor economy stakeholders to attend the annual North Coast Tourism Symposium and Awards Gala Dinner. Held on 24 June 2021 in Urunga, the Symposium will provide a program of thought-leaders, strategists and tourism experts who will provide insights related to the North Coast visitor economy. Held that same evening, the Gala Dinner will offer continued networking opportunities. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “NSW is the largest visitor economy in Australia and with the recent launch of our Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, we’re working to rebuild and grow it to $65 billion by 2030, and deliver on our vision to become the premier visitor economy of the Asia-Pacific. The knowledge gained at the Visitor Economy Symposium will futureproof our visitor economy, ensuring that NSW continues to offer the best of the best for years to come.” To purchase the early bird/combo event ticket, click here.
24-HOUR ECONOMY MASTERCLASS FOR COUNCILS
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is working with the Night Time Economy Councils’ Committee (NTECC) to deliver a masterclass on ways councils can leverage the 24-Hour Economy Strategy to help build a vibrant nightlife for their communities. Council officers working in economic development, placemaking and urban design, strategy, policy and research, planning and regulation, culture and creativity, services, infrastructure and safety are encouraged to attend. The masterclass will be held on 23 June from 10am until 4pm at Sydney Startup Hub. Places are limited to two attendees per council. Book your ticket here.
GAI-MARIAGAL FESTIVAL UNDERWAY IN NORTHERN SYDNEY
The Gai-mariagal Festival is now underway in Northern Sydney region, celebrating the theme of Renewal and raising awareness of the First Nations people living in the area. The festival brings people together to build stronger communities in the Northern Sydney region – Gai-mariagal lands – through a variety of events and activities that create space for local Aboriginal people to culturally express themselves. For the first time, the program includes a bush food inspired degustation dinner, and other events such as workshops, art exhibitions, performances, films, talks and children’s activities will continue through to 11 July. The event was founded in 2001 by Northern Beaches resident Susan Moylan-Coombs. “This year is a renewal of self, family and community. A renewal of who we are and who we want to be,” Ms Moylan-Coombs said. Explore the full program online.
