MEGA TOURISM MONEY PUSH
CASH for a Geelong convention centre, Shipwreck Coast and Queenscliff Ferry precinct are at the forefront of a funding appeal from Victoria’s tourism peak body.
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) will today launch its Tourism is Victoria’s Business campaign calling on both sides of state politics to commit to funding key projects before the November election.
Top priorities include funding stage two of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, a Geelong convention centre and upgrades to the Queenscliff Ferry precinct.
The call comes as expectations of funding for a convention centre are at an all-time high, with the project tipped to be funded as part of a City Deal agreement between all three levels of government.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson called for the convention centre and the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan to be funded in the upcoming state Budget.
“I am a big supporter of both projects but why are these business plans being kept secret?” Ms Henderson said.
“Last year, Premier Daniel Andrews said the state intended to fund the convention centre on its own.
“If that is no longer the position, he needs to disclose the business plan so that funding can be properly considered by the Commonwealth.”
VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan was the industry’s top priority.
“The Shipwreck Coast Masterplan has bounced between all tiers of government for decades. Our message to both parties ahead of the state election is clear: if you’re serious about creating jobs and supporting Victoria’s visitor economy, fund the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan,” Ms Mariani said.
“From an economic standpoint, it’s a no brainer — it will deliver $254 million in annual spending and create over 3800 jobs for the region.”
Ms Mariani said investment in the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan would include much-needed improvements to the entire Great Ocean Road.
“The Great Ocean Road is our single biggest tourism attraction but it is operating at the edge of capacity — it’s being loved to death,” she said.
“Proper investment is needed to improve safety on the Great Ocean Road, encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more across the region, and most importantly, ensure this beautiful natural attraction is maintained for generations to come.”
Much of the Tourism is Victoria’s Business campaign focuses on regional Victoria, including a call for reinvestment in the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
“We know that for every dollar spent in Victoria by international visitors, only 7 cents is spent in our regions,” Ms Mariani said.
“Investing in compelling regional experiences will get tourists venturing further and spending more across our great state.
“The Geelong convention centre will position the region as a sought-after destination for lucrative business events and create hundreds of ongoing jobs.
“With visitor numbers forecast to grow over the next decade, better infrastructure is needed at the Queenscliff Ferry terminal, which is already the busiest passenger and car ferry service in Australia.
“We are calling on local candidates on all sides to support their local tourism industry and commit to funding these projects in the next term of government.”
Geelong MP Christine Couzens was contacted for an update on the convention centre but did not respond before deadline last night.