Tourism firmly on Govt agenda
June 26, 2008
Section: Opinion
As expected, the release of the O’Neill Report earlier this month has created a good deal of conversation in communities throughout the State, including Kiama.
I believe this debate over the recommendations in the report is healthy for Government and the whole industry.
The State Government’s immediate response was to announce a further $40 million, three-year investment in tourism.
The next step is to work in partnership with industry to develop and implement a new NSW tourism strategy.
As you would expect there are many and varied views on how we should move forward and which recommendations from the O’Neill report should be adopted.
During the next two months there will be targeted consultations with industry groups, Government departments and the Board of Tourism NSW.
Dr Col Gellatly has been engaged to assist in this process.
In addition we are planning to hold a major industry seminar on August 13 to finalise the plan to be put to the Government.
NSW is the best tourism destination in Australia and arguably the greatest holiday destination in the world. Our reputation remains as strong as ever.
But there is a clear message from the review that reform is required in the way NSW tourism is promoted and I intend to vigorously pursue such reforms.
Matt Brown
Minister for Tourism
Letters on this page are the opinions of the writers. Publication does not in any way imply endorsement by the Kiama Independent of the views expressed.