TTF Media Release
Tuesday 22 June 2021
SA BUDGET TO DRAW VISITORS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) said today’s South Australian Budget was designed to protect tourism jobs and create new opportunities via a range of event, infrastructure and regional economy boosting measures.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said a new Riverbank Arena, additional support to attract events and more support for the CBD will all support the continued attraction of interstate, and in time international tourists, back to the State.
“Nearly $80 million to plan and commence preparation for a Riverbank Arena will allow construction for this major new South Australian event related tourism drawcard to commence from 2025 onwards,” Margy Osmond said.
“The start of the art venue would sit up to 15,000 people and host concerts, conventions and court sports such as basketball as well as attracting larger, international conventions and exhibitions to Adelaide, allowing South Australia to bring a potential 15 to 20 event days to the State each year.
“TTF also welcomes $14 million per year extra into the Leisure Events Bid Fund and $4 million for the Great State Voucher Scheme including funding for another round of vouchers later this year which will include further support for accommodation providers in the CBD.
“An additional $500,000 on top pf the $300,000 already announced to support activation of the Adelaide precinct will also support activities that encourage people to return to work, visit and spend time in the city.
“TTF also welcomes additional funding for major public transport improvement projects including an additional $100 million towards the significant $715 million Gawler Line electrification project, $99 million over ten years for a state-wide railway station refresh program and $48.5 million for an additional 700 car ‘Park & Ride’ carpark.
“Regional South Australia is also being supported with $215 million committed to proceed with the Strzelecki Track upgrade as well as $36 million to refurbish the Old Murray Bridge, $202 million to construct a bypass of Truro township and $180 million for stage 2 of the Augusta Highway duplication, which will all encourage greater visitor dispersal.
“With these visitor economy improving budget measures, South Australia is leading from the front and looking ahead to the future in what will be a fiercely competitive domestic and international tourism market.
“SA Premier Steven Marshall, Treasurer Rob Lucas and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard have made the necessary strategic and long-term investments right now to enable the visitor economy to charge ahead.
“This vision and commitment from the South Australian Government to invest in the visitor economy would be further improved by a framework from the Federal Government to safely reopen international borders to allow the visitor economy to continue to recover.”
TTF also welcomes a range of other commitments including $3.1 million for internal refurbishments at the Adelaide Festival Centre, $6.4 million to upgrade Adelaide Railway Station, $8.1 million for the restoration of Ayers House on North Terrace and $57 million towards a $200 million Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre.
Ends.
Contact: TTF Manager Policy, Media & Government Relations and Media Lindsay Hermes lhermes@ttf.org.au 0418 948 447