The Allan Labor Government is backing Victoria’s regions through new projects to help boost the visitor economy.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has announced the successful recipients of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today congratulated Barwon Coast and Bellarine Bayside who have received funding for exciting new projects through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.
Barwon Coast will use their funding for cabin upgrades at Barwon Heads Caravan Park with construction of 7 new cabins, including an accessible cabin.
Bellarine Bayside’s funding will go towards their Portarlington Holiday Park Cabin replacement initiative to replace three outdated cabins with two, three-bedroom cabins and one fully accessible two-bedroom cabin.
These two organisations join a host of operators around the state to receive grants of between $100,000 and $5 million to deliver new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects designed to attract more visitors to Victoria’s regions – and increase the length people are staying in the regions.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is part of the $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund to create more jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more visitors to experience all that is on offer across regional Victoria.
The Fund will help strengthen and grow Victoria’s tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan that outlines five priority areas including First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.
To see a complete list of the projects, visit tourism.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“The Bellarine is an amazing place to live and visit. By supporting our local tourism businesses, this funding will allow more people to visit and discover all the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Victoria has always been a great place to visit and explore - these grants will make regional Victoria even more enticing, which is great for local jobs and the economy.
Quote attributable to Acting CEO, Barwon Coast Paul Gangell
"We’re incredibly grateful to receive this funding support through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024, which—together with Barwon Coast’s co-contribution—will deliver new accommodation at the Barwon Heads Caravan Park. It’s a fantastic boost for the visitor experience and will encourage more people to explore our beautiful region, while also supporting our broader purpose. Revenue from these cabins will be reinvested directly into caring for our coastal environment and improving public spaces for the community.”
Quote attributable to Bellarine Bayside Chair Melanie Rogers
We are thrilled to receive support from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024. This funding will enable us to provide modern, inclusive accommodation options to welcome a diverse range of visitors to the northern Bellarine Peninsula. Together with rightsholders, we look forward to advancing through the planning stages of this exciting project.
