Smaller shires in Southern NSW are at risk of being further out of pocket because the state government had not committed to future tourism funding.
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For the past decade, Destination NSW has contributed $90,000 per annum to Murray Regional Tourism, which helps promote tourism across 13 local government areas as part of the one brand.
But the funding was due to expire in June and MRT was still waiting on an answer and did not have any certainty about the future.
Across the other side of the border, the Victorian government had already guaranteed its share of $340,000 in funding per year until 2019.
Albury mayor and Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils chair Kevin Mack called on Albury MLA Greg Aplin to do more to convince Tourism Minister Adam Marshall to commit funding.
“The major issue is, what’s our local member going to do about it?” Cr Mack said.
“Although our local member has sent a letter, he needs to step up to the plate.”
He said although the Murray Regional Tourism promotion was important, Albury Council had the profile to cope if it was lost, but smaller regions like Corowa, Deniliquin and Berrigan would struggle.
“If this is not supported by the state government, where do these councils get the necessary funds?” Cr Mack said.
“We believe a cross-border approach is crucial to the economic success of our region. It ensures a whole of region strategic focus and a more compelling product offer to the visitor.”
The fight for funding started about six months ago when RAMROC sent a letter to the previous minister, but Mr Marshall only stepped into his new role a month ago.
MRT board chair Wendy Greiner said the funding model was proved to be effective because the organisation had helped councils increase visitation from 4.5 million visitors in 2011 to 5.1 million in 2016.
“It has enabled us to promote one compelling and consistent brand for the entire Murray region creating a seamless experience for tourists,” she said.
“Our fundamental aim is to maximise visitation and grow jobs in the Murray, NSW and Victoria, through the regional visitor economy.”
MRT was planning to meet with Mr Marshall over the next couple of weeks.
“We’re confident we can work through some position with the minister,” Ms Greiner said.
