$400,000 funding boost for Hervey Bay to Maryborough Rail Trail

Monday, 30 May 2016

The tourism industry in Hinkler and Wide Bay will receive a boost with more than $400,000 in funding under the latest round of the Federal Government’s Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) Program.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Candidate for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien made the announcement today at Nikenbah.

Mr O’Brien said the investment in tourism infrastructure would help attract more visitors to the region and provide a boost for the local economy.

“The Federal Government is providing a funding boost of $439,750 towards the construction of a section of the Maryborough to Hervey Bay Rail Trail between Nikenbah and Urraween.

“The trail will be constructed for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and will be accessible for year round use,” Mr O’Brien said. 

Mr Pitt said this investment in the local tourism industry will have an important flow-on effect, providing a boost to jobs and economic growth in the region.

“As a community infrastructure project – in conjunction with the Fraser Coast Regional Council which is matching the funding – it will also have positive flow-on effects to provide families and individuals with more facilities to get active,” Mr Pitt said.

“Regular exercise reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and obesity.   

“It can also help manage stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, strengthen self-esteem, enhance mood and boost mental alertness.”

The funds are being provided through the Australian Government’s TDDI program which provides Queensland with $7.8 million to be invested in local projects over four years.

The Minister for Tourism and International Education, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the projects would drive demand and improve the quality of tourism infrastructure.

“The Federal Government is providing $43.1 million over four years to the states and territories for their tourism infrastructure needs,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Projects will help the industry to meet Tourism 2020 targets to ensure businesses remain sustainable and profitable into the future.”

 

For more information on the Maryborough to Hervey Bay Rail Trail head to:  https://www.railtrails.org.au/trail?view=trail&id=69

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