Flood support | Best Australian Beach | China Workshop Webinar & more...
More positive news this week as the Murray River flood levels continue to drop, and additional State Government financial support for impacted businesses and communities.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced yesterday that $60 million has been allocated for a road repair package, as well as tax relief for residents and businesses whose properties and cars have been destroyed or substantially damaged by floodwaters.
The State Government will also waive 2022-23 Land Tax liabilities for business properties and long-term residential rentals that are substantially damaged or destroyed.
The announcement is good news for tourism operators, who are keen to get access to their properties in the Riverland and Murray River Lakes & Coorong regions, and get their businesses up and running again. It also comes as more restrictions are relaxed, allowing more activities in the upper regions of the river.
More information on the changes to river directions, latest advice and tax relief is available at sa.gov.au/floods.
Premier Malinauskas also confirmed that the South Australian Tourism Commission’s river recovery campaign is in its final stage of development, with details to be released in coming weeks. The campaign and voucher program are part of the $4.1 million package announced in November.
As part of the roll-out of the campaign, the SATC will hold workshops in Berri, Renmark and Murray Bridge later this month to provide an overview of the marketing support and the voucher rounds – all important activities designed to stimulate the strong return of tourism to the regions.
I’m also pleased to announce that the SATC has also established a Murray River Tourism Recovery Working Group, which will play a key role in co-ordinating the activities to rebuild, restore and recover the multi-million-dollar visitor economy of the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions. The group, chaired by Regional Development Australia Director Business Development Julie Bates, will meet for the first time this week.
The group will advocate hard for the sector, ensuring tourism is championed during the recovery process and provide the SATC with a direct connection with operators, industry and other important stakeholders. I will provide you with regular updates from their meetings.
Emma Terry
Chief Executive