$61.7 million boost for environment, jobs and tourism

The Morrison-McCormack Government is building a more secure, resilient Australia with a $61.7 million investment in the environment, through the $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.

This investment will create jobs, boost local tourism, and preserve our environment as part of the economic recovery plan.

The funding includes:

• $33.5 million for heritage upgrades to fund conservation work, infrastructure upgrades across 23 national and world heritage sites, preserving and enhancing them while creating jobs and lasting benefits for our tourism industry.
• A $20 million reef builder shellfish restoration program to be invested in at least 11 bushfire and COVID-19-affected coastal communities to rescue native marine ecosystems from the risk of local extinction, rejuvenating local fish stocks and creating spectacular tourism dive sites in the process.
• $8.2 million to support Great Barrier Reef projects including $3.2 million to engage tourism operators in reef monitoring and conservation work, along with $5 million for Townsville’s Reef HQ.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding would create or support around 1,000 jobs while assisting the recovery efforts of many regional communities affected by the pandemic and recent bushfires.

“These initiatives will sustain jobs and local businesses, improve facilities and encourage people to visit regional communities and world heritage sites,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are talking about projects that will create lasting legacies in regional centres, small towns, and on the Great Barrier Reef, which will be a big boost to local communities.”

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the announcements showed the Morrison-McCormack Government was delivering practical and lasting environmental outcomes while creating jobs and growing local economies.

The 33 heritage projects will be delivered in partnership with states, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island, with a focus on providing immediate economic stimulus through local job creation.

Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the funding would restore and conserve some of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders and heritage sites, providing a vital boost to tourism operators who have been doing it tough as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These sites are some of Australia’s most incredible and treasured tourism drawcards, and enhancing visitor experiences will help attract more visitors and support thousands of local businesses and jobs,” Minister Birmingham said.

These projects will help to protect natural environments, upgrade facilities, and revitalise heritage sites, ensuring that visitors can enjoy these unique attractions for generations to come.

Original source: DFAT