The official opening today of the Gemtree Wetlands Ecotourism Walking Trail project will add to the unique tourism attractions of the Fleurieu region and boost local tourism businesses, the Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth MP, said today.

Ms Rishworth opened the attraction at McLaren Flat, which received funding of $51,360 from the Australian Government’s TQUAL Grants program for new facilities, including better signage, maps and a sheltered picnic area.

“Improving the quality of our local attractions brings even more visitors to this region – and that’s important for the 1,700 businesses in the Fleurieu region that depend on tourism,” Ms Rishworth said.

“In a typical year, visitors spend around $300 million in this region.”

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, said investing in tourism is about investing in the economic fabric of local communities.

“The Australian Government is proud to have played its part in the development of the Gemtree wetlands eco-trail,” Senator Sherry said.

“The TQUAL Grants program helps regional tourism industries to be more innovative and competitive.

”In the latest round of funded projects announced a couple of months ago, the Australian Government committed nearly $8.5 million to 117 projects right across Australia,” Senator Sherry said.

Gemtree Vineyards was also successful in the latest round of funding. TQUAL Grants will contribute up to $110,000 towards the construction of an environmentally sustainable cellar door facility at the vineyard.

“The new cellar door will complement the project I’m launching today and will blend well with this project’s biodynamic farming program,” Ms Rishworth said.

It is anticipated that the next round of funding for TQUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects will be open for applications in early 2012.  More information is at www.ret.gov.au/tqual

2nd Oct. 2011