One month left to apply for roadside tourism infrastructure grants
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
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One month left to apply for roadside tourism infrastructure grants

Applicants wishing to cash in on the Bligh government’s $600,000 Minor Tourism Infrastructure grants to help boost the lucrative drive tourism market have until the end of the month to apply.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor again called for applications from local government authorities and regional tourism, development and community organisations for the 2010-2011 Minor Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program.

Applications opened on March 1st and close on the 30th April.

“During the 2009 election the Bligh government committed $37.8 million towards supporting tourism in the State through our three-year Tourism Action Plan to 2012,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This included $1.8 million for the development of minor infrastructure on Queensland’s strategic drive tourism routes.

“The successful scheme is now in its second year and we are looking at assisting a number of projects along six Queensland travel routes,” he said.

They are:

• The Great Tropical Drive between Cooktown and Townsville

• The Adventure Way between St George and the South Australia border

• The Great Inland Way (A7) between Charters Towers and Dirranbandi

• The Capricorn Highway (A4) between Rockhampton and Barcaldine

• Leichhardt Highway (A6) between Theodore and Goondiwindi

• Warrego Highway (A2) between Dalby and Charleville

Mr Lawlor said applicants would be able to seek a grant of up to $50,000 to cover part or 100 per cent of a project.

“The drive tourism market is worth more than $4 billion to Queensland and accounts for around 70 per cent of the overnight leisure market,” he said.

“Considering the size of our State, existing facilities and infrastructure can be many kilometres apart and that’s something we can improve on.

“That’s why this program targets regions that are popular for driving holidays and special interest experiences.”

Mr Lawlor said that since the Minor Tourism Infrastructure Grants Scheme was launched last year it had provided more than $580,000 for 15 projects in regional Queensland.

“The projects have included interpretative information and signage, roadside picnic facilities, re-vegetation and weed clearing,” he said.

“These sorts of improvements not only make a very positive impact on the drive tourism market and further enhance Queensland’s reputation with travellers, they lead to more jobs in regional towns.

“People are employed to help improve the facilities which attract more tourists to the area which results in more long-term jobs to cater for increased visitors.”

For more information, or to apply for a Minor Tourism Infrastructure Grant application package, telephone 13 26 50 or go to www.tourism.industry.qld.gov.au

Applications close on 30 April, 2010.

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:38 PM