Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (12:06): By leave, I move my motion in an amended form:

That this house—

(a) recognises the importance of South Australia’s regional areas to the state’s visitor economy;

(b) recognises the potential of Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast region’s unique natural assets in the nature-based and adventure tourism sectors; and

(c) calls on the state government through SATC to prioritise product development and tourism experiences in future funding opportunities.

It is an exciting time for tourism in South Australia. The last few months have seen record-breaking highs, as the latest National Visitor Survey data showed that April was the best month ever for visitor spend—a huge $984 million. This was strongly driven by two major event triumphs for Adelaide, the AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf.

While these high-profile events achieved huge success for Adelaide, we must not forget what our regional areas have recently contributed to the state's visitor economy. In March this year, total expenditure for SA regions hit $4.46 billion. Not only was this a 25 per cent increase since 2019, it also increased the region's market share of visitor spend to 48¢ of every dollar. What we now need to ensure is that the regions see investment and support that is equivalent to that of our metropolitan counterparts.

The opportunities are immense for regional tourism, and this can be illustrated by a key tourism trend that has continued to emerge post pandemic, that is, nature-based and adventure tourism. There has been a significant increase in demand for experiences in outdoor spaces as travellers look to escape crowds, rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves, family, friends and the environment around them. This is a critical area that 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. There are not many places in Australia where you can walk along the crater rim of a dormant volcano or swim in a sinkhole, but the vast majority of our natural attractions are free. You can walk around the Blue Lake, climb Mount Schank, visit the Umpherston Sinkhole, swim in the Little Blue and then finish with a barbecue at the Valley Lake—and, other than your sausages and bread, none of it will cost you a thing. I want to be clear, I think that is extremely important.

However, we must also develop our tourism offerings for those people who want to pay for experiences and adventure because that is where the jobs are. That is where people who are operating the lifts or taking the tours are employed through tourism. We will never reach our full potential without a focus on product development, creating new and innovative experiences, products and services for tourists to purchase, giving them a reason to stay another day. In turn, this means more dollars into our local economy, boosting businesses, creating jobs and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Imagine flying into the Valley Lake from the heights of the Centenary Tower on a zip-line, completing a tree climb adventure course in one of our local forests before retreating to your luxury off-grid cabin, visiting our pumping station to learn about the region's Indigenous and European history, before finishing with a gourmet lunch or dinner overlooking the Blue Lake. The possibilities are endless.

I understand the commercial development of natural assets must be done in an environmentally sustainable and culturally sensitive way, but the point is it can be done. We are not forging new ground. There are plenty of examples of what can follow and has been developed around the world. In 2005, the Australian government invested $3 million towards the Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative to assist the development of environmentally sensitive tourism infrastructure in Tasmania. Eight projects were completed as part of this initiative, providing new infrastructure and visitor interpretation facilities, walking tracks and mountain bike paths.

To further showcase their forests and surrounding areas and to enhance the visitor experience, Forestry Tasmania has developed four adventure tourism sites. The Tahune Airwalk gives you a chance to walk amongst the forest while taking in the amazing view and, while you are there, you can hire a segway or a mountain bike, or sign up for a cabled hang-glide—all paid activities for the visiting traveller. Add to that the Maydena Adventure Hub with its pedal-powered railway track rider, Tarkine Forest Adventures with a 110-metre slide and forest floor guided tours, and the treetop canopy tour at Hollybank. I can guarantee you will be coming home with a much lighter pocket, as well as a greater understanding of the history and environment around you.

Currently, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is offering grants for nature-based tourism via its $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund. Whilst I applaud this initiative, I would argue it is not broad enough. Applicants are limited to projects that occur within or near a national park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park. The majority of Mount Gambier and the surrounding area's iconic natural assets do not fall into this category.

Another significant funding opportunity through SATC is the Major Events Fund, with over $20 million being allocated over the next four years. This is the key funding behind the fantastic Adelaide-based events I mentioned earlier, that is, Gather Round, LIV Golf and, of course, the Adelaide 500. However, the funding criteria mean it is out of reach for most regional areas.

We may not be able to host a match for Gather Round, but what about making Mount Gambier a Gather Round hub? Create a regional destination for those who cannot make it to Adelaide, entice Adelaide residents who want to escape the city for the weekend, subsidise public transport, provide accommodation and dining vouchers, or transform Wulanda Recreation Centre into a footy mecca with all the games televised on the big screen.

Tasting Australia is another fantastic event that we could extend to the Limestone Coast, with a satellite event over three or four days showcasing the best chefs and premium produce and wine from our area. We need to give people a reason to come through Mount Gambier on their way to Adelaide. Tasting Australia is just one idea that would encourage Victorians to come through Mount Gambier instead of going direct from Melbourne to Adelaide.

I am calling on the state government to ensure that future SATC funding really does consider the nuances of regional areas and provides 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. I would like to finish by acknowledging a few of the local businesses that have created innovative tourism experiences in our region.

Kilsby Sinkhole lies in the middle of a sheep farm, amid rolling countryside 14 kilometres south of Mount Gambier. The farm has been transformed over the last few decades to now encompass sinkhole tours, snorkelling tours, scuba diving and free diving. Five years ago, they also launched their own Sinkhole Gin. They are currently building accommodation units on site and have plans to extend an onsite distillery, tasting room and cafe, all major drawcards for divers, snorkellers and those who want to swim in the sinkhole.

Bush Repair is a small, family-run business by Uncle Ken Jones and is based in Port MacDonnell. Uncle Ken runs tailored sessions to develop participants' cultural knowledge and education through learning and understanding. Through on-ground field visits, inland or coastal, the sessions provide knowledge of bush tucker, traditional artefacts, ceremonies, and arts and crafts. Uncle Ken has also authorised a series of authentic First Nations' stories teaching Indigenous perspectives through literacy and other learning areas.

Finally, a more recent addition to the Limestone Coast is Mountain Path Meadows. They offer unique, off-grid private glamping domes for short-term accommodation and also specialise as a sustainable wedding venue. Dan and Rachel purchased the property that would become Mountain Path Meadows in 2020 after seeking a post-pandemic tree change and sea change. It is situated within the Mount Schank State Heritage Area, at the base of the dormant volcano. I am told it provides travellers with their perfect Instagram backdrop.

These are the types of businesses that are bringing people to our region, who are spending their dollars and then telling their friends. We must continue to support them and provide future funding opportunities to create more businesses like them.

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (12:59): I want to commend all speakers who have contributed to the motion. Thank you.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 13:00 to 14:00.