The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed measures in the ACT Government’s 2015-16 Budget to attract more visitors and improve liveability through urban regeneration projects and investments in public transport.

Measures in the Budget include:

• Major investments in public transport, including $375 million for the ACT light rail project and $199 million for roads and sustainable transport,
• $16.6 million for urban regeneration, including activating the Capital Metro corridor, progressing City to the Lake and a new stadium feasibility study,
• $14.1 million for tourism marketing (an increase of $2.35m from last year’s allocation), and
• $4.7 million funding boost for planning and management of the ACT’s parks and reserves.

“This ACT Budget continues to invest in tourism marketing, urban regeneration and public transport,” CEO Margy Osmond said.

“A $375 million commitment to the Capital Metro project, following completion of the first stage of construction, and $199 million for roads and transport for Canberra will improve accessibility and make Canberra an even better place to live, work and visit.

“Before the Budget, TTF had called for funding to progress planning of the City to the Lake development, and it’s great to see the Government deliver on this front.

“It’s also encouraging to see the ACT Government meet their commitment to increase funding for tourism marketing, with an additional $2.35 million allocated to VisitCanberra.

“Tourism is a key driver of the ACT economy, contributing around $1.6 billion in Gross State Product and supporting an estimated 14,700 jobs.

“I would also like to congratulate the Barr Government for continuing to fund the international marketing campaign to support new direct international flights into Canberra, with an additional $1.6 million for the Airline Stimulus Fund,” she said.