Grants to help get tourists back into our fire-affected regions

20 June 2020

The Morrison Government has today announced funding support for 24 events and festivals in fire affected regions, under the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program, as Australia navigates its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions ease across the country.

Around $580 000 in funding will now flow for events and projects across fire affected regions, with more to follow in the coming weeks, helping to boost domestic visitors through unique local experiences.

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said many tourism businesses were greatly affected by the catastrophic summer bushfires, and are now navigating their way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With restrictions easing, and planning for events starting again, it’s great to announce recipients of 24 grants under the Regional Tourism Recovery Grants program, which will help revive the regional tourism industry,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“One in 13 Australian jobs is dependent on tourism, as are many thousands of Australian businesses. Australia attracts close to nine million international arrivals annually and the absence of international tourism is a huge blow to the sector.

“Many events in fire-affected regions were postponed or cancelled as a result of COVID-19. With restrictions easing, this funding support will help get events and festivals up and running in the second half of the year.

“We want to encourage Australians to support local and regional tourism, until we are able to welcome international visitors again.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel—as restrictions ease we are encouraging every Australian who can afford to, to soak up the beauty and diversity of regional experiences.

“Australians love to travel, and while their international wings may be clipped for the time being, these grants are aimed at boosting domestic travel experiences and investing regional communities to reinvigorate our tourism industry.”

The Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grant Program will support events to encourage tourists back into our bushfire affected regions and is part of a $76 million tourism recovery package to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies.

Among the successful recipients is the Toowoomba Regional Council, which will benefit with a $28,000 grant for Chilling in the High Country – Hearth, Wind and Fire, a food and wine-focussed series of events to be staged across southern Queensland’s agriculturally rich Darling Downs region beginning this month. In Victoria, Grampians Tourism Board Inc will benefit from $29,211 for the Grampians Grape Escape and Seriously Shiraz events.  On the New South Wales South Coast, the Eurobodalla Shire Council will receive $80,000 for next year’s Narooma Oyster Festival, which celebrates the region’s quality produce.

For further information on the RTBR grants program click HERE.