By Romy Stephens
Puffing Billy is among numerous tourist attractions that will receive a lifeline from the State Government amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
On 13 May, the State Government announced that $150 million would be delivered to support sport, tourism and cultural icons.
As part of the Experience Economy Survival Package, $11 million will go towards the state’s tourism industry, including Puffing Billy and other not-for-profit and privately-owned visitor attractions.
Puffing Billy CEO Steve O’Brien said the railway will now work with government, staff and volunteers to roll out the package.
“Puffing Billy welcomes visitors from all over the country and the world, so it’s great to see we are being recognised and supported as part of this package,” he said.
“We are thankful for this funding contribution. The portion we receive will support our continued efforts to preserve the 119-year-old narrow gauge railway, maintain permanent jobs and plan for the reopening, when it is safe to do so.”
The package will also support sporting clubs and competitions across the state – from grassroots to elite – as well as galleries, museums and the racing industry.
Together, these sectors contribute almost $70 billion to the Victorian economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, but they have been hit hard by measures to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani said the funding is vital to maintain the success of regional tourism.
“Even as we look to reanimate our industry, the new operating environment will present ongoing challenges for Puffing Billy, Sovereign Hill and other key attractions, as social distancing requirements will dramatically affect visitor engagement with the experience,” she said.
“This $11 million boost will also see a critical allocation of funding for our Regional Tourism Boards, that have experienced disruption to their continuity as funding security has been in question.
“These organisations are vital channels to our regional tourism performance and this support will help to sure up their ongoing activities at a time when it’s most needed.
“Regional tourism is worth $8.1 billion to our regional economies across the state and these bodies play an integral role in sustaining this economic activity.”
The Experience Economy Survival Package will include $40 million for community sport and recreation bodies, $16 million for national sporting organisations and $5.3 million will support the State Sport Centres Trust and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
An investment of $44 million will go towards the state’s racing industry and over $32 million will support creative agencies and initiatives.
