The tourism industry at Kings Canyon and in Central Australia is set to receive a boost with just under $500,000 of Tourism Infrastructure Development Fund grants being awarded to tourism businesses in the region.
Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Adam Giles said a thriving tourism industry will help to develop our regions, boost local businesses, create more jobs and grow the Territory economy.
"The Country Liberals' Government is committed to expanding the range of tourism experiences on offer in the Territory, particularly in our regional areas, so we can create more jobs and drive economic development in these areas," Mr Giles said.
"The Country Liberals' Government is committed to expanding the range of tourism experiences on offer in the Territory, particularly in our regional areas, so we can create more jobs and drive economic development in these areas.
"Improving the facilities on offer is part of the NT Government's plan to entice even more visitors to the Central Australia region, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more."
Kings Canyon:
- Kings Canyon Resort Pty Ltd: $100,000 to introduce new guided Segway tours for up to six people plus a guide from the Resort to Kings Canyon.
- Kings Creek Station (Kings Creek): $45,455 will be used towards installing the required plumbing for high-end tents; build decking that will protrude from the rocky escarpment; install flooring in a nearby cave that will be turned into a small library/meeting place; and build and install a plunge pool in between escarpment boulders. The final accommodation product will be called Kings Canyon Dreamtime Escarpment. It will provide a new level of accommodation in the region that will attract the high-end visitor seeking a unique and intimate experience. This will address the need for more high-end wilderness experiences in central Australia.
- Karrke Pty Ltd (Wanmarra, Watarrka National Park): $92,399 to construct an ablution block and to erect multiple shade structures, enhancing the visitor experience and provide protection from the weather. It will complement other tourism businesses in the area by providing an experience within close proximity to accommodation and charter operators.
Central Australia Region:
- Mark Carter Birding and Wildlife (Alice Springs): $16,311.82 was used to provide specialist equipment to enable their Nature Photograph Workshop Tour and Photo Safari tour to commence. This has allowed the business to target a high-value niche market and provide a tourism experience that currently previously did not exist in Central Australia.
- RT Tours Australia (Central Australia): $71,568 will see the development of a discrete site including the two shelters, two water tanks, a composting toilet, a fire pit, a shower/wash area, and the installation of solar power capabilities.
- Kathleen Buzzacott (West MacDonnell Ranges): $30,000 means a three-sided veranda was placed around her studio and some privacy screening installed to separate her residence from the studio. The increased veranda space will allow visitors to take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surrounds.
- Wayoutback Australian Safaris (Yulara) $26,180 will be used to develop a new camp site at the coach camp grounds in Yulara consisting of ten high quality tents. This new site will enable the business to cope with increased consumer demand and to meet the expectations of international travellers.
- Ross River Resort: $15,000 to convert a store room into a walk-in freezer that will replace the three chest freezers that are currently in use. It will also include the installation of cupboards in the back hallway area that will house items relocated from the store room as a result of the freezer conversion. .
- Batton Hill Bush Camp and Tours $14,750 will purchase a 22,500L water tank, install camel-proof fencing around the perimeter of the tank, purchase a steel fire pit with a swing BBQ plate and billy arm, and the purchase and installation of camp signage.
Media contact: Joss Papworth 0418 979 633