The Hunter will receive more than $1 million for marketing to boost tourism after last month’s super storm and flood.
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The state government has earmarked the money to build new marketing campaigns, develop existing initiatives and promote the region on social media.
Funding and promotional support will also be available for the Dungog Festival, scheduled for October.
Trade, Tourism and Major Events Minister Stuart Ayres said the government wanted to help the Hunter’s tourism industry get back on its feet after the natural disaster.
“The storms in the Hunter Region have taken a heavy toll on the local communities and my sympathies go out to all affected,” he said.
“It is imperative the NSW government sends the message that the local tourism industry is back on its feet and ready to provide the warm welcome that the Hunter is renowned for.”
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison welcomed the funding announcement, but she called on the government to announce money to help other small businesses in the Hunter that have suffered through the storm and its aftermath.
She said that she and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr suggested funding to help Hunter tourism operators in the days after the storm hit in April.
“Labor MPs, particularly Clayton Barr and myself, have all been quite concerned about the impact on local tourism businesses,” Ms Aitchison said.
“But we are also concerned about other businesses. The impact of the internet and telecommunications being down for such a long time would have been greater than in 2007.
“We want to see something for other small businesses as well.”
Super storm disaster recovery co-ordinator Brigadier Darren Naumann said he wanted to see thousands of people enjoy wineries, accommodation and attractions in the Hunter this winter.
“Since the storms hit in April, hundreds of workers from emergency services, AusGrid, state and federal government agencies, tree loppers, insurance companies, welfare groups and industry representatives have been staying along the Hunter and Central Coast to help with the recovery,” he said.