The Nationals are committing $800,000 towards upgrades to jetties in Lake Macquarie to accommodate tourism vessels such as tour boats, charter boats, and recreational vessels.
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon Kevin Hogan, said an elected Coalition Government will upgrade local infrastructure to drive visitation and the regional dispersal of tourists – benefitting local businesses and the broader Lake Macquarie region.
Data recently released by Tourism Research Australia has shown the Hunter region has seen a seven per cent drop in trips to the region, a 13 per cent drop in nights spent in the region, and an 11 per cent drop in visitor expenditure between 2023 and 2024.
"Under this Labor government, holidays are becoming a luxury Australian families can no longer afford. With skyrocketing rents, mortgage stress, and rising grocery and energy bills, people are being forced to cut back on travel and leisure," Mr Hogan said.
"That's bad news not just for families but for the thousands of small businesses, hotels, and tourism operators who rely on tourism to survive.
"The Coalition knows Australia's regions hold the key to the future of our tourism industry. While our capital cities attract millions of visitors annually, the true potential of Australian tourism lies in tourists venturing to our regional areas."
Mr Hogan said a Nationals Government will fund projects that enhance the appeal and infrastructure of regional destinations and create a real improvement in overall tourism for the region.
Nationals' candidate for Hunter, Sue Gilroy, said this funding will have positive impacts on local tourism by creating a more attractive and efficient boating hub, while supporting Lake Macquarie's sustainable tourism initiatives.
"This funding will enable four council jetties in Lake Macquarie, including Booragul, Rathmines, and Toronto, to be upgraded to incorporate commercial tourism mooring or berth facilities. Additional pontoons, improved signage and lighting are also included which will be great for the community.
"Additional overnight moorings will provide opportunities for adventure tourism operators to base their business on the lake and increase bookable experiences in the region. Increasing commercial and recreational boating infrastructure on Lake Macquarie will benefit visitors, local tourism operators and residents.
"The Nationals are showing the people of Lake Macquarie that we have your back. We will invest in these important local regional tourism projects which will, in turn, increase tourism expenditure, extend visitor stays, and improve the region's overall capacity to accommodate tourism demand."
