Nine projects are now complete as part of the Territory Labor Government's highly-popular $4 million Roadhouse to Recovery Grant initiative.
More than $2.26 million has been paid out in funding, with many more projects nearing their final stages of construction and upgrades.
Recipient Corroboree Park Tavern is ready to welcome guests into brand new cabins this weekend. The business has been operating for 18 years, and received a grant of $150,000.
In addition to three new air-conditioned cabins, the business has upgraded lightning around the caravan park and will also install more powered sites for campers.
Projects completed in the Top End so far are Banyan Farm, Daly River Inn, Hi-Way Inn Daly Waters and Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge NT.
Projects completed in Central Australia so far are Banka Banka West Station and Tourist Park, Tilmouth Well Roadhouse, Threeways Roadhouse, Ti Tree Farm Garden & Ti Tree Food Barn.
The co-contribution initiative was introduced last year, to improve remote roadside facilities and improve customer experience for the Territory's drive tourism market.
It has also led to plenty of work in the pipeline for the Territory's construction industry.
As part of Budget 2021, the Government announced an additional $4 million in funding for a second round of grants, with applications closing at 4pm today.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"When it comes to exploring the Territory, we want tourists and locals to hit the road.
"The drive tourism market is so important for our economy, and for supporting local jobs.
"These grants not only support small businesses in remote corners of the Territory, but they keep local tradies on the tools.
"It's great to see works entering their final stages, meaning there's even more in store for people who pull-up for a break, or stop and stay the night."
Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Natasha Fyles:
"We want visitors and locals to remember the great roadside facilities we have here in the Territory, and to pass on those recommendations to others who are thinking of passing through.
"That's why we introduced this grant, to help businesses improve services for those exploring our beautiful backyard.
"The upgrades at Corroboree Park Tavern are helping the business boost its capacity, while also improving amenities for those who stay the night."
Quotes from Corroboree Park Tavern Owner, Peter Shappert:
"This grant has helped us carry out our biggest upgrades to date – we have installed three new cabins, new lighting and we'll also be putting in new powered sites for campers.
"We're looking forward to welcoming guests into our new cabins this weekend, with the place booked out for the Secret Women's Business fishing competition."
