Media Releases 2012
Council’s support of tourism bears fruit
1 Feb 2012
Wyong Shire Council’s support of Central Coast Tourism has been rewarded with more than $64,000 in funding for four projects in the Shire as part of the State Government’s recently announced tourism development grants.
Overall, nine projects on the Central Coast received funding support from Destination NSW, with almost half the projects located in the Shire.
The Destination NSW funding is part of a wider package of $250,000 to develop tourism across the Central Coast, under the $5 million Regional Tourism Product Development Funding Program.
The projects in Wyong Shire to receive funding to enhance visitor experiences and boost tourism to the local area include:
- $20,000 for the Norah Head Lighthouse and Reserve Trust for interpretive signage
- $12,750 for Lakes Beach United Dunecare CoastCare Inc to purchase three beach access wheelchairs
- A total of $32,250 for Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Trust for two projects: the Pioneer Dairy/Central Coast Wetlands interpretive signage and to upgrade the pathway from the historic Pioneer Dairy Cottage tea room to the newly constructed wetland.
Mayor Bob Graham said he was delighted with the funding announcement.
“I congratulate Central Coast Tourism on receiving this funding and I’m pleased that a bulk of it has gone towards projects in the Wyong Shire,” Mayor Graham said.
“As Mayor, I sit on the Board of Central Coast Tourism and I use every opportunity to promote the Wyong Shire.
“Because of our ongoing support of Central Coast Tourism, I’m just delighted that projects in the Shire will benefit from this funding and we have been rewarded for our support.
“Oliver Philpot, the CEO of Central Coast Tourism, has done a great job since taking over and Central Coast Tourism continues to grow.
“I thank Ollie for his support of the Wyong Shire and our projects and we will continue to work hard to receive our slice of the tourism funding and income.”
Mr Philpot said the Wyong Shire Projects were all “worthy recipients” of the state wide funding initiative.
“The tourism product development grants provided by the NSW State Government through Central Coast Tourism will have a significant impact on key tourism attractions in Wyong Shire, and will fast track several projects that otherwise would possibly have taken years to implement,” Mr Philpot said.
“Norah Head Lighthouse, Lakes Beach United Dunecare, Central Coast Ecotours and the Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Trust are all worthy recipients of this state wide funding initiative and we look forward to working with these groups to implement their various tourism projects.
“The projected outcomes will have a strong impact on our tourism experience offerings.
“This tourism development initiative has led to closer working between individual tourism businesses and Central Coast Tourism and has had a positive impact on community support for tourism … we look forward to the results of the program over the next year.”
Media Contact: Cameron Bell (02) 4350 1667 0434 324 645