The South Australian State Government has allocated a combined sum of $315,000 to aid tourism businesses along the low-lying Murray River regions, in an effort to support tourism recovery in the wake of a once-in-a-century flooding event.
Fourteen tourism businesses, including caravan parks, houseboat operators, tour providers, and shack accommodations, will benefit from grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. These funds are designated for critical recovery projects, including marketing initiatives, infrastructure replacement, powerhead installation, landscaping, cleaning, and equipment replacement.
The primary goal of these projects is to enhance the overall value of tourism offerings within South Australia’s Murray River regions and ensure the long-term sustainability of these businesses, the funding is part of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Mid Murray River Tourism Business Support Program.
The 14 recipients of the grants under the Mid Murray River Tourism Business Support Program are as follows:
- Blanchetown Caravan Park
- Cobdogla Station Caravan Park
- Foxtale Hire Services
- Frankie & Calla
- Freedom Boat Hire
- Griffens Marina Blanchetown
- Mannum Oldwares & Curios
- Morgan Riverside Caravan Park
- Juggle House Experiences
- Kingston On Murray Caravan Park
- Rivergum Cruises
- River Shack Rentals
- Swan Reach River Retreat
- Wow Houseboats
The funding announcement coincides with the Santos Tour Down Under Hahn’s Men’s Stage 4, which is commencing in Murray Bridge. This marks the first time the Santos Tour Down Under has visited Murray Bridge since 2020 and the first-ever Men’s stage start in the town. The event serves as a platform to spotlight the region’s ongoing recovery efforts from the significant flood event of the previous summer.
A third round of the River Revival Voucher program is set to launch next month, extending support beyond the traditional summer peak season and continuing through June. The voucher program has already injected $10.7 million into the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions.
Prior to the flooding event in 2022-23, tourism in these two regions was collectively valued at $436 million. By June 2023, the industry’s value had surged to $562 million, underscoring the sector’s resilience and potential for growth.
The $315,000 in funding for the Mid Murray River Tourism Business Support Program is part of the broader $500,000 Mid Murray Tourism Recovery Fund, a commitment made by the State Government in February 2023 to provide assistance to severely impacted businesses along the low-lying regions of the Murray River. This comprehensive fund also includes support for councils to promote new events and dedicated marketing support for affected tourism enterprises.
The Mid Murray Tourism Recovery Fund is an integral part of the $4.6 million river recovery plan, which encompasses initiatives like the ‘Rise Up for our River’ marketing campaign and the River Revival Voucher program.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison emphasized the importance of this financial boost for tourism businesses and expressed excitement about the return of the Santos Tour Down Under to the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong region, as it brings attention to the region’s recovery and revitalization efforts.
“We haven’t taken our eyes off the river, making sure our support has been targeted to when and where it is most needed, and this latest financial boost will go a long way to helping businesses such as caravan parks and houseboat operators recover and welcome visitors the way they want to,” Zoe said.
“Helping further recovery efforts, it’s exciting the Santos Tour Down Under will return to the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong region – when Murray Bridge welcomes the race for the first time since 2020.”
Tour operator Kelly Kuhn of Juggle House Experiences/River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Tours expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, highlighting how it would positively impact several businesses and tourism offerings in the region.
“As a tour operator showcasing the gems of the Mighty Murray, this cash injection multiplies providing aid to several businesses we visit,” Kelly said.
“This financial assistance provides confidence and enables us to build on efficiencies of our internationally declared Dark Sky Tours, including the creation of a pilot Mindfulness Aboriginal Astronomy event, purchase of vehicle equipment, development of online tools including a new website, astrophotography course and merchandise.Â
“We could not be more grateful for this assistance as a shining light of hope starting our New Year with the opportunity to bounce back stronger. We have welcomed more people back to South Australia’s natural playground over summer and we look forward to this continuing.”
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