TROY BELL MP
Member for Mount Gambier
Your Independent voice
in State Parliament
Top up our tourism
Friday September 15, 2023Two local MPs united in call to...
TWO local MPs have teamed up to call on the State Government to prioritise product development and tourism experiences in the Limestone Coast.
This week, Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell moved a motion in State Parliament calling on the State Government to prioritise the region through the South Australian Tourism Commission, labelling it as an "exciting time" for the industry in South Australia, with MacKillop MP Nick McBride also speaking in support of the motion.
The motion also called for recognition of the state's regional areas to the visitor economy and recognition of the potential Mount Gambier/Berrin as well as the wider Limestone Coast's "unique natural assets" in the nature-based and adventure tourism sectors.
Mr Bell said in March of this year, the total expenditure for South Australia's regions reached $4.46b which was a 25 per cent increase compared to 2018.
Mr McBride said it was important to recognise the Limestone Coast region and Mount Gambier/Berrin, as well as its "huge potential".
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MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has teamed up with Member for MacKillop Nick McBride to call on the State Government to prioritise product development and tourism experiences in the Limestone Coast.
Mr Bell moved a motion in State Parliament earlier this week, requesting the State Government to prioritise the region through the South Australian Tourism Commission, labelling it as an "exciting time" for the industry in South Australia.
The motion also called for recognition of the state's regional areas to the visitor economy and recognition of the potential Mount Gambier/Berrin as well as the wider Limestone Coast's "unique natural assets" in the nature-based and adventure tourism sectors.
"The last few months we have seen record breaking highs as the latest national visitor survey data showed April was the best month for visitor spending reaching a huge $984m," Mr Bell said.
"This was strongly driven by two major event triumphs for Adelaide, the AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf.
"While these two high profile events achieved huge success for Adelaide we must not forget about what our regional areas have recently contributed to the State's visitor economy." Mr Bell said in March of this year, the total expenditure for South Australia's regions reached $4.46b which was a 25 per cent increase compared to 2018.
"It also increased the region's market share of visitor spend to 48 cents out of every dollar," he said.
"What we now need to ensure is that the regions see the equivalent investment and support as our metropolitan counterparts." He said there were a range of opportunities for regional tourism including nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.
"There has been a significant increase in demand for experiences in outdoor spaces as travellers look to escape crowds, rejuvenate and re-connect with themselves, family, friends and the environment around them," Mr Bell said.
"This is a crucial area I believe Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast are in a prime position to capitalise on.
"Our region's unique natural assets are perfectly aligned for nature-based and adventure activities." Mr Bell stated he believed the region would "never reach its full potential" without a focus on product development and creating new and innovative experiences, products and services for tourists, stating it would give them another reason to "stay another day".
"In turn, that means more dollars into our local economy, boosting businesses, creating jobs and enhancing the overall visitor experience," he said.
"I understand the commercial development of natural assets must be done in an environmentally sustainable and culturally sensitive way but it can be done.
"I am calling on the State Government to ensure that future SATC funding opportunities really consider the nuances of regional areas and provide opportunities to prioritise product development and tourism experiences to enable our regions to shine to the best of their abilities while building their local economies at the same time."
Mr McBride also spoke in support of the motion, stating it was important to recognise the Limestone Coast region and Mount Gambier/Berrin as well as its "huge potential".
"I am excited to talk to this motion based on the number of ideas that come from the electorate as to how we can best utilise and protect our natural assets," Mr McBride said.
"While also increasing regional revenue and job opportunities.
"The opportunity for tourism is well established by the work previously and currently being undertaken by the Federal, State and Local Governments." Mr McBride also made note of the 67 parks across the Limestone Coast which typically generated $35m to regional economies and supported more than 100 jobs in the private sector.
"A total of 90,812 people visited the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves from January until December 2022 which is a 35 per cent increase in visitors in the last 12 months," he said.
"I thought it was an amazing statistic acknowledging there has been some welcome additions over the recent years with upgrades to site amenities including the installation of a new fossil hunters playground.
"There is an opportunity to develop accommodation, the caves and also caves from a high-end to a more budget-friendly ecotourism option."
During the debate, other Members of Parliament also praised the Limestone Coast including Shadow Minister for Regional Roads Adrian Pederick and previous Naracoorte resident Lucy Hood.
Ms Hood made note of her childhood memories within the region and the ongoing childhood memories she makes with her own children when visiting the Limestone Coast.
TOURISM CALLS: Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has called on the State Government to not forget about regional South Australia.