Tourism & Transport Forum has welcomed the Barr Government’s 2019-20 ACT Budget calling it a win for ACT residents and visitors alike and includes investments across the State’s tourism and transport sectors.

Speaking about today’s Budget TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said, “TTF welcomes the ongoing investment in Visit Canberra to continue to implement marketing and destination programs in 2019/20.

“However, we look forward to a longer-term commitment to destination marketing funding in the next budget year to ensure that the ACT can maintain a competitive position in the years to come.”

Tourism, directly and indirectly, employs around 17,000 ACT residents, contributes $1.1 billion in Gross State Product (GSP) to the ACT economy and generates $2.8 billion of consumption spending across the ACT.

There are a further 7,000 ACT residents employed in transport-related roles and the Territory has been investing significantly in its transport systems including the new Light Rail Network to keep pace with population and visitor growth.

TTF also welcomes the increased investment in funding for Transport Canberra which is now over $193 million in 2019/20, this includes oversight of the construction of the light rail and the strategic oversight of the entire public transport network. “Every dollar invested in public transport is also a dollar invested in tourism,” Ms Osmond said.

“The ACT Government has also stated that through this year’s Budget they will progress detailed design, planning and enabling works for Stage 2 of light rail from the City to Woden, following the successful launch of Stage 1, which is fantastic news for visitors and locals alike.”