A report in FarmOnline says that in a new initiative to offset the economic impact of the drought on rural communities, the Federal Government is pumping $4.8 million into 35 tourism projects in the bush, but the plan has raised suspicions of election-year pork barrelling.
Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said the devastating impact the drought has had on regional Australia had prompting the new campaign by the Australian Tourism Development Program to lure visitors to the bush.
“Through this initiative, the Australian Government is helping local communities boost tourism and create jobs,” Ms Bailey said.
The tourism industry accounts for more than 200,000 jobs and injects more than $32 billion into regional Australia.
“This funding will help local regions diversify and deliver a lasting economic benefit,” Ms Bailey said.
But the program has copped criticism for being election-year pork barrelling, with the Australian Financial Review reporting that 27 of the 35 projects are in seats held by the Coalition.
Projects offered funding include:
** Eyre Highway Operators Association – $331,000 for its Nullabor links project, the world’s longest golf course. The 18-hole course over 1365km has a hole in each participating town or roadhouse on the Eyre Highway, from Kalgoorlie (WA) to Ceduna (SA);
** HP Farmstay, near Rockhampton – $100,000 for an eco tourism complex on Hedlow Creek, Barmoya, which is being developed with full disabled access; and
** Outback NSW Regional Tourism Organisation – $500,000 for the Darling River Run project which promotes the Darling River Run extending from the Matilda Highway in northern NSW to the Murray River.
Report by The Mole and FarmOnline.
