$300 MILLION BOOST FOR REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Lake Crackenback resort.

Food and wine regions, walks through national parks and heritage buildings are among the great regional tourist attractions that are set to benefit from the NSW Government’s new $300 million Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

Regional communities are being urged to submit expressions of interest for funding for environmental and tourism infrastructure projects to help grow and diversify local economies.

$100 million is available through the first funding round, which is now open.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Fund is an exciting initiative, which will help to increase tourist numbers, drive job creation and build on other NSW Government regional investment programs.

Examples of projects that can apply for funding include visitor infrastructure for national parks, camping facilities, the repurposing of Crown Lands or heritage buildings for tourism, and development of infrastructure to support ecotourism and new visitor activities.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the fund is a demonstration of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to rural and regional tourism.

“The State’s rural and regional tourism industry is now welcoming 17 per cent more overnight visitors than in 2011, and I am looking forward to promoting its continued growth in the years to come,” Mr Marshall said.

Completed application forms and all supporting material must be lodged by Thursday, 6 April 2017.

For further information and eligibility criteria, visit the NSW Department of Industry website.