The 2018-9 Victorian State Budget announced yesterday by the Treasurer represents a significant boost for the tourism sector and has been welcomed by the Victorian Caravan Parks Association.
“Funding for a number of major projects including the Geelong Regional City Deal to fund the Geelong Convention Centre, Phase 2 of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan over four years, and other investments in nature-based tourism including funding for cycling infrastructure across the Grampians Region and a multi-sport Murray River Adventure Trail is urgently needed. These vital initiatives must proceed so that the Visitor Economy can continue to grow in regional areas, and more jobs can be created as a result,” said Elizabeth White, CEO of VicParks.
Ms. White also welcomed funding boosts for training and education across the state. “Victorian employers are currently experiencing critical staff shortages in skilled hospitality and park management positions” she said, “and we welcome the announcement of free TAFE courses available to eligible students in priority industries, including Hospitality.”
“We are also delighted to note initiatives to develop broader investment in regional and rural areas and maintain those investments into the future to help those communities to prosper and thrive. In particular, we support plans to cut payroll tax rate for regional employers and to further promote regional tourism in Victoria whether this be by local, interstate or international visitors”, she said.
“For too long, regional communities and businesses have struggled with low-grade digital connectivity, and for too long Victorian country roads have suffered from decades of under-investment, that have impacted on the growth of regional tourism; we welcome funding provision in this Budget to address those issues.”
For further comment, please contact Elizabeth White, CEO, Victorian Caravan Parks Association on 03 9372 3420 or at [email protected]
About VicParks
The Victorian Caravan Parks Association (VicParks) was established in 1964 and is the peak body for the caravan and holiday park industry in Victoria. With over 420 member parks, the association protects and promotes the caravan park industry. For more information, click here.
