It’s been a torrid time for people on the NSW South Coast, first with drought, then catastrophic bushfires, floods and COVID-19.

Through that time, individuals, businesses and our entire community have faced, and continue to face, enormous challenges.

Our tourism and event operators, and their workers, have been hit hard time and time again. With such a heavy reliance on tourism across the South Coast, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP said it was clear early on that urgent support to keep the local economy going was needed.

“I have continually called for more funding to support our tourism and event operators after the bushfires,” Mrs Phillips said. 

“Over many many months, I have been vocal in asking where the tourism funding for bushfire recovery is – and why it has not hit the ground on the South Coast”, she continued.

“Tourism and event operators said they needed help months ago to aid in their recovery, and keep our economy going.” 

“I am pleased some funding has finally been announced to help some local tourism operators and events, although it is long overdue," Mrs Phillips said.

“Sadly, we are now in the situation where some of these local events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, so I hope the government will continue to support these local operators when their event is rescheduled.” 

“I will continue to advocate on behalf of tourism and event operators to ensure they get the help they need, when they need it,” she concluded.

Projects funded include: