$600,000 Recovery Package for Australian North Coast Tourism Industry

Following the recent submission for disaster relief funds by Northern Rivers Tourism, the Prime Minister and Premier of New South Wales have confirmed a $600,000 joint recovery package for the North Coast tourism industry.

“We are delighted that Prime Minister Rudd and Premier Iemma have made this announcement,” said Northern Rivers Tourism Chief Executive Russell Mills today.

“This is a real win for tourism on the North Coast of NSW, which has suffered significant loss during the high season of January. It demonstrates that a concerted effort to communicate the economic value of tourism pays dividends.

“The Prime Minister’s visit to Kyogle Shire and his discussions with the Premier send an important message, and that is that tourism is a vital industry to Northern Rivers NSW.”

Northern Rivers Tourism conducted a survey of tourism operators that revealed estimated losses of $18.2 million as a result of the floods and heavy rains. The survey results were submitted to Federal MP for Page Janelle Saffin, Federal MP for Richmond Justine Elliot and the State Minister for Tourism Matt Brown.

“We are particularly appreciative of the support and endorsement that state and federal MPs and Ministers have demonstrated in announcing the recovery package for tourism, alongside that announced for small business and farmers in the region. Local Government and Shires have also shown great support for the submission.”

Mr. Mills added that Northern Rivers Tourism would now work closely with the state and federal Governments to implement the recovery strategy proposed in its submission.

“We will work to communicate the depth of experience on offer for holidaymakers to North Coast NSW, by working with Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers tourism operators. We’ll be encouraging the industry to get behind the strategy with packages and offers to entice travellers back to the region.”

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