January 25th, 2024New round of funding to kick-start local tourism ventures

One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria exists because of tourism, and the state government says it aims to bring more regional tourism projects to life through its latest round of tourism funding.

The local member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas in recent days has launched the latest round of funding available through the Enabling Tourism Fund, which helps exciting regional tourism ideas get off the ground and ready for investment.

The new round of funding, announced last Friday, will make available up to $8 million to create a pipeline of more tourism infrastructure and more jobs.

Grants between $20,000 and $500,000 are open to tourism businesses, not-for-profit and Traditional
Owner organisations, and more.

The grants will be delivered in two streams: the first providing support to test the concept of a large
new infrastructure project like a feasibility study or masterplan.

The second stream funds detailed design packages, funding strategies or community engagement
plans. Both are vital to attracting greater investment and getting projects off paper.

The fund is guided by five priorities of experiences that Victoria does best – First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.

Applications for the Enabling Tourism Fund are open until Friday, 28 March 2024 with more
information on the grants and the new guide available through the tourism.vic.gov.au website.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “From iconic Hanging Rock to spas and retreats in Daylesford and Hepburn, we know how amazing our local towns are for tourist visitors. These grants are an important step in welcoming more tourists, and supporting our local economy as we share our fantastic region with the world.”