The first round of the Morrison Government’s Indigenous Tourism Fund has been announced with five organisations across Far North Queensland successfully receiving funding under the program.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the grants are designed to help indigenous-owned tourism businesses and community organisations increase the number of indigenous tourism products available and support the start-up, stabilisation or growth of operators in the sector.
“We are extremely proud of the rich history and indigenous cultures we have in the region and want to showcase this to as many people as we can,” Mr Entsch said.
“Jarramali Rock Art Tours will receive $47,002 to assist with procuring additional equipment to increase visitor capacity and on-country experiences.
“The Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust will receive $50,000 towards developing a strategic plan and new website to further grow the Daintree Discovery Centre.
“The Minniecon-Smith Family Trust will receive $50,000 towards the Saltwater Club’s plans to establish a First Nations hospitality and reef tourism operation on the Cooktown waterfront, the rebranding of the existing Cook’s Landing Kiosk and relocating the Pearler’s Locker building and wharf to an adjacent block.
“More than $9270 will be invested towards infrastructure upgrades at the Yindilli Camping Grounds on the CREB Track between the Daintree and Cooktown.
“Cape York Peninsula Lodge Cultural Discovery Tours at Bamaga will receive $100,000 towards purchasing a 4 x 4 vehicle and product development to further showcase indigenous culture in the remote norther region of Cape York Peninsula.
“I really look forward to seeing first-hand how these grants will benefit these organisations moving forward.”
Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt said that the Indigenous Tourism Fund is helping indigenous-owned businesses and community organisations employ more people, expand their offerings and attract more visitors, which has positive flow-on effects for all parts of our local economy.
“These grants are part of the Morrison Government’s $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund, with grants on offer for the next three years to grow Indigenous tourism businesses, improve their products and attract more visitors to regional and remote Australia,” Mr Wyatt said.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity and enjoy the enriching experiences that our local Indigenous tourism operators have to share.”
