MARTIN FERGUSON
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism

WARREN SNOWDON
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Minister for Indigenous Health
Member for Lingiari

SENATOR TRISH CROSSIN
Senator for the Northern Territory

A masterplan funded through an $825,000 Strategic Tourism Investment Grant (STIG) will help develop Arnhem Land tourism while keeping Aboriginal people connected to their culture.

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced STIG funding for four Indigenous tourism projects under the four-year, $40 million T-QUAL Grants program.

The Lirrwi Yolngu Aboriginal Corporation received a grant to help develop up to 50 new tourism businesses during the next 20 years.

“The grant will help Lirrwi Yolngu Aboriginal Corporation build on its success in delivering tourism programs to the corporate sector over the past two years,” Minister Ferguson said.

“The corporation employs an innovative approach that creates employment, leadership and training through the platform of Yolngu culture and creativity.

“Along with $825,000 in matching funds from corporate sponsors, the corporation has supported the development of 15 of its 50 target businesses and hopes to attract a further $2.25 million in corporate funding for the next three years.”

There were 163,000 domestic and 39,000 international overnight visitors to the Kakadu-Arnhem tourist region in the year ending March 2012.

These visitors stayed a combined 545,000 and 176,000 nights and spent $108 million and $36 million respectively.

The Labor Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon MP, welcomed the funding, given the importance of tourism to the Northern Territory.

“International visitors and Australians are particularly interested in experiencing Indigenous culture; it is a key part of what makes Australia so unique as a destination,” said Mr Snowdon.

“This funding will help ensure the Northern Territory can develop and offer great Indigenous tourism experiences.”

Senator Trish Crossin, also applauded the Lirrwi Yolngu Aboriginal Corporation’s success.

“This project will not only enhance the level of Indigenous tourism product on offer here in the NT but more importantly, it has the potential to provide countless employment opportunities for members of our local communities.”

T-QUAL Grants are awarded through a competitive, merit-based process to create sustainable economic growth in the tourism industry. Further information is available at: www.ret.gov.au/TQUAL