Drumming up support for tourism sector

Member for Mount Gambier looking to develop unique experiences in the Limestone Coast

Gambier, Troy Bell has advocated and lobbied for a variety of projects over his tenure and tourism has been a long standing priority for the Independent MP.

He was on his soapbox again last week in Parliament when he used a speech to highlight both the value of the visitor economy in the Limestone Coast but also the need for more significant investment.

Mr Bell’s speech was underpinned by three key points – the importance of South Australia’s regional areas to the state’s visitor economy; the need to recognise the potential of Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast region’s unique natural assets in the nature-based and adventure tourism sectors and the importance of prioritising product development and tourism experiences in future funding opportunities.

“It is an exciting time for tourism in South Australia,” Mr bell said. “The last few months have seen record breaking highs as the latest National Visitor Survey data showed 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 about what our regional areas have recently contributed to the state’s visitor economy.

“What we now need to ensure is that the regions see the equivalent investment and support as our metropolitan counterparts. The opportunities are immense for regional tourism.”

And the key value of regional South Australia, and, in particular, the Limestone Coast is nature based and adventure tourism – a sector of the industry that has grown significantly spot-pandemic, “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 regions unique natural assets are perfectly aligned for nature based and adventure activities. There are not many places in Australia you can walk along the crater rim of a dormant volcano or swim in a sinkhole.”

Mr Bell’s concern has always been these attractions are free and he has long been calling for value-adding and building paid experiences throughout the region, incorporating the natural attractions.

“You can walk around the Blue Lake, climb Mount Schank, visit Umpherston Sinkhole, swim in the little blue lake, then finish with a BBQ at the Valley Lakes and other than your sausages and bread, none of it will cost you thing,” Mr Bell said.

“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, that means more dollars into our local economy, boosting businesses, creating jobs and enhancing the overall visitor experience.”

A vision he has shared on multiple occasions is a zip line at the Valley Lakes precinct and it is that kind of thinking he is hoping tourism operators, with the assistance of government and private investment will embrace, exploring those value-adding ideas.

“Imagine flying into the Valley lakes 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 overlooking the Blue Lake,” Mr Bell said. “The possibilities are endless. I understand the commercial development of natural assets must be done in an environmentally sustainable and culturally sensitive way – but it can be done. We are not forging new ground, there are plenty of examples that we can follow to achieve this.”

After citing paid experiences in other parts of Australia, Mr Bell turned the heat on the South Australian Tourism Commission, despite the $2million Experience Nature Tourism Fund.

“Whilst I applaud this initiative I will argue that it is not broad enough,” he said. “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 areas iconic natural assets do not fall into this category.”

He also called for more equitable access to even bigger buckets of tourism money through the Major Events Fund – the fund that has helped finance events including LIV Golf and Gather Round.

“The fundings criteria means it is out of reach for most regional areas,” Mr Bell said. “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 can’t make it to Adelaide or entice Adelaide residents who want to escape the city for the weekend.

Subsidise public transport, provide accommodation and dining vouchers, transform Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre into a footy mecca with all of the games televised on the big screen.”

Tasting Australia was another major event that could easily extend to the regions.

“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 Bell said.

He highlighted some private operators who have already created innovative tourism experiences, including Kilsby Sinkhole, Bush Repairs and Mountain Path Meadows.

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