Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson has secured $490,000 in grants under a Coalition Government to help lure more domestic visitors to the local region as part of the Coalition’s $14 million Domestic Tourism Development Grants scheme.

A Coalition Government will provide a $350,000 grant to Hunter Regional Tourism and a $140,000 grant to Mid North Coast NSW Regional Tourism.

“This money is a real boost for the Paterson electorate and will build on the great promotional work already done by Hunter Regional Tourism and Mid North Coast NSW Regional Tourism to support local businesses,” said Mr Baldwin.

“Hunter Regional Tourism and Mid North Coast NSW Regional Tourism are perfectly positioned to promote our region in the domestic market, so this money is well-targeted.

“The Gillard Labor Government has cut funding for Tourism Australia by $13.5 million in its first term, bringing real funding down to 2003 levels.

“Local tourism businesses can’t afford another term of Labor.

“This commitment by the Coalition will provide our tourism organisations with just the sort of support they need to keep visitors coming to the Paterson electorate, eating in local restaurants and staying in local accommodation.”

Mr Baldwin said the Domestic Tourism Development Grants scheme was just one element of the Coalition’s $90 million in new support measures for Australian tourism and would complement the Coalition’s $40 million tourism infrastructure and development fund.

“This announcement goes hand in hand with our commitment to stop Labor’s reckless introduction of new marine parks until a sensible plan is made in consultation with the local community and tourism industry, which rely heavily on recreational fishing,” said Mr Baldwin.

Shadow Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo said domestic tourism was the ‘bread and butter’ of the tourism industry, contributing around 75 per cent of Australia’s tourism turnover, and was vital to the Paterson economy.

“Only an elected Abbott Government will support regional tourism organisations,” said Mr Ciobo.