MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton claims the Federal Government’s $1.2 billion tourism stimulus package will have a negative impact on struggling tourism operators in the Murray region.
“By offering half-priced flights to coastal destinations, the government is actually reducing the chances people will visit inland rural towns such as Moama, Balranald, Wentworth, Griffith, Leeton and Deniliquin,” Mrs Dalton said.
“There is absolutely nothing is this package for struggling hoteliers in this region.
“NSW border towns have been the most hurt by COVID-19 and government, having experienced 38 weeks of lockdown.
“I’ve talked to some operators who went weeks with no customers at all.
“They’re struggling to stay open. They’ve been damaged the most by government but are getting the least support.”
Mrs Dalton said tourism operators across the Riverina and Victorian border desperately need ongoing funding.
“Some border towns won’t survive a few more years of this,” she said.
“This tourism package needs to be adjusted to help those who need it the most.”
Mrs Dalton said she would raise the matter in NSW Parliament, when sittings resumed this week.
