Wednesday 11 July 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is growing regional tourism and sporting events in Gippsland thanks to new funding in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, said Regional Tourism Boards will now be able to apply for new grants to boost their local economies and jobs by attracting new visitors and new events.

The Labor Government has already supported more than 160 events across regional Victoria – and our new Regional Events and Innovation Fund will grow that number.

New funding will also be made available to regional event organisers, sporting associations, venues and local councils to help kick-start their bid to host more national or international sporting events.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 invests a further $17.7 million for the Significant Sporting Events Program, which has funded more than 300 events across the state – with half of those held in regional Victoria.

The fund supported more than 75 events last year alone, including the NBL Blitz in the Latrobe Valley, the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon International Tennis Tournament and the Trans-Tasman Archery event in Morwell last month.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 provides an extra $51.1 million to attract thousands more visitors from interstate and overseas, as part of Visit Victoria’s work to grow visitor spending to $36.5 billion by 2025, and create thousands of local jobs.

For more information and how to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“We want to bring more events to Gippsland because they create jobs, fill our hotels, attract new visitors and strengthen our local economy.”      

“We’re backing tourism operators and providing the support that Gippsland needs to grow – so we encourage local tourism boards and councils to apply for funding.”  

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“More visitors are travelling to Victoria than ever before and we’re investing to keep them coming. That’s great news for local businesses and tourism operators, and great news for Victorian jobs.”