Eight separate projects across Victoria – spanning from Daylesford, to Warrnambool, to the Melbourne CBD – will collectively receive $1.9 million as part of the $10 million Enabling Tourism Fund. Among the funding allocations is $306,000 for a Wine and Craft Beverage Project, which the Victorian Chamber is proud to partner on. 

Following the findings of the Regional Tourism Review in 2020, the Victorian Government made a commitment to revitalise Victoria’s visitor economy by implementing the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. 

The $10 million Enabling Tourism Fund is part of the grander $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan which aims to generate $35 billion in annual visitor expenditure and provide 300,000 jobs by June 2024. 

“It’s important that we invest in new ideas and back our iconic attractions to become even more compelling drawcards for visitors,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula 

“A strong pipeline of projects is vital as the industry moves through this extremely challenging period and business plan for recovery and new opportunities.” 

Ahead of the announcement of the 2021-22 State Budget which was tabled on 20 May, the Victorian Chamber called for strategic support for businesses in the tourism and events sector who had been the most greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are thrilled to see the support come to fruition.  

“Now is the perfect time to be investing in Victorian tourism infrastructure to get us into gear for when we can welcome domestic and international visitors back to our great state,” said Paul Guerra, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

“The Victorian Chamber is excited to work with the State Government to showcase our unparalleled wine and craft beverage offerings and experiences, and to see how this project can benefit Victoria’s economy and these hard-hit industries.” 

The $1.9 million announced on 30 August by the Victorian Government will contribute to the following projects:  

Wine and Craft Beverage Project – Melbourne 

In partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Victorian Government will put forward an investment of $306,000 to facilitate the planning of a Wine and Craft Beverage Project – aiming to showcase Regional Victoria’s celebrated regional wines, craft beverages and unique experiences. 

Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food – Daylesford 

Grants for feasibility studies, master planning and business case development will accelerate projects including the Institute of Gastronomy and Good Food. The $200,000 investment will help the Institute come to life, which is forecast to inject up to $22 million into the local economy each year. 

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape – South-West Victoria 

The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation will receive $575,000 to develop the visitor experience at the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. 

Bendigo Art Gallery – Bendigo 

Established in 1887, $280,000 has been allocated to facilitate the expansion and redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street. 

UNESCO City of Design Geelong Gallery – Geelong 

Promoting itself as Australia’s ‘first city of design’, the UNESCO City of Design Geelong Gallery will receive $125,000 to advance an initiative to incorporate the historic Town Hall into the gallery footprint. 

Cowes to Stony Point Ferry 

The proposed Cowes to Stony Point Ferry will receive $200,000 towards a Cowes Jetty feasibility study. 

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village – Warrnambool 

A $110,000 boost for the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village will support planning for an improved tourism offering at the western-end of the Great Ocean Road,  

Regional Victoria Live Music Census and Infrastructure Audit 

With plans to support future investment in the live music industry across the state, $95,000 will go towards a regional Victoria Live Music Census and Infrastructure Audit.