No Interest in Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme

Media release – Bass independent MP Rebekah Pentland, 23 September 2024

GOVERNMENT MUST DO MORE TO PROMOTE LOAN SCHEME

Bass independent MP Rebekah Pentland has urged the State Government to promote its Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme.

“It’s been revealed in Budget Estimates there’s been just one successful application,” Mrs Pentland said.

“The State Government must do much more to promote the $50 million scheme.

“One successful application in three months is well below par.

“The loan scheme may not be appropriate for all businesses looking to expand but the Government needs to do everything it can to stimulate the tourism sector.

“We need new ideas to stimulate visitation, particularly in the winter months. It was a tough winter period for many tourism and hospitality providers.

“The Premier has admitted the delay facing the new spirits is a major blow to tourism operators. The Government must do everything it can to support the sector in other ways while we wait for the new ships to arrive in Devonport.”