2016-06-09
Greens tourism plan to create jobs and protect our precious places
The Greens have announced a $100 million package to boost tourism, with a focus on regional and rural areas to build sustainable local economies beyond the mining boom.
“Australia’s clean, green environment is a huge drawcard for domestic and international tourists alike, worth billions in the new economy,” said the Australian Greens tourism spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.
“Now that the mining boom is over, we have a responsibility to provide an ongoing sustainable economic future. Australia has a big opportunity to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by our natural and cultural assets, but we must invest now.
“From the Great Barrier Reef to the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to the Kimberley, we can protect our precious natural heritage and lock in a jobs rich, pollution free and prosperous future.”
The Greens will:
- Provide a $60 million boost to tourism in regional and rural Australia, through grants for local tourism operators, community groups and local governments.
- Help Tourism Australia to attract more visitors and generate sustainable economic activity with a $40 million funding boost.
- Put in place strong environment laws that will stop the biodiversity crisis, save our threatened species, and protect our precious places.
“We know that smart investment in tourism infrastructure and services will tap into the potential of local tourism,” said Senator Rice.
“Our tourism investment would help regional economies make the move from the old ‘dig it up and ship it out’ mindset of the 19th and 20th centuries towards the long-term, sustainable industries of the future.
“Much of our tourism opportunities rely on Australia’s precious places and unique cultural heritage, so we need stronger environment laws to stop the biodiversity crisis, save our threatened species and protect our precious places.
“With over two thirds of Australia’s tourism revenue coming from domestic travellers, our plan will ensure that everyone can experience our country’s unique places and experiences.
“The grants program could inject funds for projects like a world-class 5 day overland track from Healesville-Marysville-Eildon in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
“The Greens are the only party committed to a sustainable economic future for our rural and regional areas.”
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MEDIA CONTACT: Sam Drummond 0400 352 935