Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell moved a motion in State Parliament last week which paid tribute to the importance of the Limestone Coast’s tourism sector.
Mr Bell moved that parliament recognise the importance of South Australia’s regional areas to the state’s visitor economy, as well as the potential of Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast region’s unique natural assets in the nature-based and adventure tourism sectors.
He also called on the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission 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 April was the best month ever for visitor spend – a huge $984m. This was strongly driven by two major event triumphs for Adelaide – The AFL Gather round and LIV Golf,” Mr Bell said.
“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.
“In March this year total expenditure for SA regions hit $4.46b. Not only was this a 25% increase since 2019, it also increased the regions market share of visitor spend to 48 cents out of every dollar. What we now need to ensure is the regions see the equivalent investment and support as our metropolitan counterparts. The opportunities are immense for regional tourism.
“This can be illustrated with a key tourism trend that has continued to emerge post pandemic – 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 re-connect with themselves, family, friends and the environment around them.”
Mr Bell said this was a crucial area he believed Mount Gambier – and the wider Limestone Coast – was in a prime position to capitalise on.
“Our regions unique natural assets are perfectly aligned for nature based and adventure activities,” he said.
“There are not many places in Australia 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 Umpherston Sinkhole, swim in the Little Blue Lake then finish with a barbecue at the Valley Lakes and other than your sausages and bread, none of it will cost you a thing.
“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.
“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. The possibilities are endless.”
Mr Bell said he understood the commercial development of natural assets must be done in an environmentally sustainable and culturally sensitive way, but believed it could be done.
“We are not forging new ground, there are plenty of examples that we can follow to achieve this,” he said.
“Currently, The South Australian Tourism Commission is offering grants for Nature based tourism via its $2m Experience Nature Tourism Fund. Whilst I applaud this initiative I will argue that 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 areas iconic natural assets do not fall into this category.
“Another significant funding opportunity through the SATC is the Major Events Fund – with over $20m being allocated over the next four years. This is the key funding behind the fantastic Adelaide based events I mentioned earlier, Gather Round and LIV Golf and of course the Adelaide 500. However the fundings criteria means 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, or entice Adelaide residents who want to escape the city for the weekend. Subsidise public transport, provide accommodation and dining vouchers, transform Wulanda Recreation Centre into a footy mecca with all of the games televised on the big screen.
“Tasting Australia is another fantastic event that we could extend to the Limestone Coast. A satellite event over three or four days showcasing the best chefs and premium produce and wine from our area.
“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.”
