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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-10-17 Daily Xml
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FLEURIEU PENINSULA TOURISM GRANTS

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:47): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Tourism a question about tourism grants on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: The South Australian Tourism Commission can assist in the development of new tourism experiences, particularly where significant gaps exist in the marketplace which are not being met. The commission also funds developments which add to existing tourism businesses. Can the minister tell the chamber about the recent new grant on the Fleurieu Peninsula?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:47): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. I am very pleased to announce that a business collaboration inviting McLaren Vale visitors to experience some of the region's best has secured South Australian tourism support.

I am delighted to advise members that $20,000 from the SATC's new Product Support Program has been allocated towards experience development along the McMurtrie Mile. As members might be aware, the McMurtrie Mile was launched in 2009 and unites popular names in local wine, food and art, and I understand that visitors are able to purchase the McMurtrie Mile passport card, and also collect wine glasses, by spending at least $25 at the participating businesses.

In a wonderful example of cross-promotion and collaboration, the six participating businesses are found on a one-mile stretch of McMurtrie Road, and together represent the gourmet and cultural delights that the Fleurieu Peninsula is well known for.

The funding from the SATC will be used to promote the new Extra Mile Experience, which is a new behind-the-scenes tour offered by McMurtrie Mile businesses, and I am sure members will agree that the package tour will add value and exclusivity to the McMurtrie Mile experience. It also promotes premium food and wine from our clean environment.

The six businesses that make up the McMurtrie Mile are McLaren Vale Beer Company, Primo Estate, Hugh Hamilton, Wirra Wirra, Red Poles and Sabella Vineyards, and I am advised that the SATC supports the focus on experience development, branding, website development, graphic design and public relations.

It is important to note also that the development of food and wine experiences is amongst the priorities in the new Fleurieu Peninsula Destination Action Plan. As members might recall, the destination action plans, or DAPs, are simple, focused action plans for each region in South Australia. The DAPs address or fill in gaps in six strategic areas: experiences in advanced infrastructure (especially accommodation), marketing access and sales/distribution.

I am also very pleased today to announce another tourism grant for the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. A grand Port Elliot property, known for its rich heritage, is undergoing an extensive refurbishment. The Waverley Estate has received a $23,500 grant from the SATC Tourism Development Fund.

The funding is supporting an upgrade in the refurbishment of the property, with improvements including new air conditioning, roofing, solar panels, bathroom renovations and also some landscaping. Members may be aware that Waverley Estate has welcomed local, interstate and international guests for more than two decades. These improvements will help this business attract more high-yield visitors, along with providing conference and corporate packages.

I am sure you would agree, Mr President, that it is wonderful to see this unique part of South Australia's heritage thriving in the tourism industry. Waverley Estate is beautifully located just one hour south of Adelaide on the spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula at Port Elliot. To my mind, Port Elliot is one of the most charming seaside towns in South Australia. Mr President, I am sure you know and have visited Horseshoe Bay, one of the region's loveliest beaches, which is only minutes away.

Waverley Estate was built in 1856 and today offers eight accommodation rooms, along with a paved pool area for functions and events. The property, which includes one of South Australia's oldest schoolhouses, also features an onsite cellar door and a gallery promoting Fleurieu wine, food, produce and art. I am told that the property aims to be one of the premier attractions of the Fleurieu Peninsula. I am pleased to advise that the refurbishment is consistent with the destination plan that was launched in June. I wish the project every success and look forward to further opportunities to promote this wonderful region in the future.

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