In the 2008 Budget, the Australian Government committed to supporting eleven regional tourism projects totalling $4.5 million. The projects will be funded through the Australian Tourism Development Program and will develop quality tourism precincts, experiences and strategies for growth.
The eleven projects are outlined in the table below.
Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (VIC) | $500 000 | Restoration of the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour. Funding will help the local veteran community restore what was once one of Victoria's finest avenues, preserve local history, and help to increase local drive tourism. |
South Perth Old Mill (WA) | $75 000 | Completion of capital works and much needed maintenance to the South Perth Old Mill. This will include repairing the sails and front entrance, upgrading signage, and refurbishing the building externally. |
Table Cape Lighthouse (TAS) | $185 000 | Upgrade of the Table Cape Lighthouse for public access and to allow commercially operated and guided tours to commence. |
The Green TEA Project - A Tourism Environmental Audit (TAS) | $166 000 | Establishment of an environmental audit program involving 40 tourism operators in Huon Valley and Kingsborough. This project will encourage operators to implement environmental best practice and then evaluate their outcomes. |
Derwent Valley Rail Restoration (TAS) | $50 000 | Refurbishment works on a newly purchased H5 locomotive now at New Norfolk, in preparation for local tourist rail services. |
Parramatta Tourism Strategy (NSW) | $500 000 | Development of the first stage of a three stage new tourism strategy – The Nation's Undiscovered Asset. The Strategy will encourage people to stay overnight and experience the heritage of Parramatta. |
The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive (SA) | $500 000 | Ensure the continued success of the popular Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. |
Batemans Bay Marketing Campaign (NSW) | $100 000 | Development and implementation of a tourism marketing campaign that will help increase tourism. The campaign will boost the level of business activity in Batemans Bay by promoting the township as a holiday destination during the shoulder periods of autumn and spring. |
Invigoration of the Red Centre (NT) | $500 000 | Invigorate the Red Centre by creating a spectacular sense of arrival with two sheltered visitor facilities, viewing and picnic rest areas and interpretive signage highlighting the significant history of the area. |
Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Visitor Centre (VIC) | $1.5 million | Redevelop and enhance the visitor facilities at Wonthaggi's nationally significant heritage coal mine. The identified improvements will ensure the protection and conservation of the unique coal mining heritage and the historic features and buildings of the site. |
Creswick Interpretive Centre (VIC) | $450 000 | Construction of an interpretive centre that will incorporate the current information centre, public conveniences and a meeting space. |