Premier details regional tourism fund

PREMIER Daniel Andrews visited the Bellarine today (July 21) to outline his government’s regional tourism support package that comes in the wake of the 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation.

The government will pour $170 million through a range of initiatives as part of the repurposed $2 billion fund it had budgeted for the sporting event.

Mr Andrews and local MPs Christine Couzens (Geelong), Alison Marchant (Bellarine) and Ella George (Lara) detailed the funding at Oakdene Estate at Marcus Hill, which received $2 million for a restaurant and art gallery in the lead-up to last year’s state election.

The new fund includes $70 million to Visit Victoria to attract big-ticket events to regions, such as the Foo Fighters’ successful visit to Geelong last year.

$60 million will go towards regional tourism infrastructure, which the government indicated would help businesses like wineries and breweries add accommodation.

Primary producers would have support from a $10-million kitty to boost exports, $5 million will go towards developing skills and workforces of regional tourism businesses and a further $5 million would be available for multicultural festivals.

The government will also tip $20 million into marketing spend aimed at attracting more visitors from Victoria, interstate and abroad.

Mr Andrews said the grants would help showcase what regional Victoria had to offer.

“Our investment will continue to showcase everything that regional Victoria has to offer – creating new jobs and attracting more visitors from across Victoria, Australia and the world.”

Ms Marchant said the fund would support the expanding tourism offering in her Bellarine electorate.

“The Bellarine is home to spectacular attractions and experiences, and we’re so proud to support our world class local businesses like Oakdene Winery – right here in Marcus Hill.”