UPDATED: WHILE we may be a ways off seeing a full cabinet meeting in Milparinka – state government has made good on its promise to entice city groups and businesses to take their conferences west of the divide.
And it could be worth $300 million to the regions.
A $6 million plan unveiled by Tourism and Special Events Minister Adam Marshall in Tamworth this week aims to grow the already-lucrative industry that sees regional NSW areas rake in the cash from hosting corporate and business events.
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This plan includes the launch of a regional conferencing unit – something that was promised by government back in 2015 – and something Mr Marshall said was a key priority upon his elevation to cabinet in January.
The unit will help sell NSW bush towns as a corporate destination, and also serve as a touch point for local service groups who want advice on how to put in a winning bid to host a statewide event.
“We will help groups find the right place in regional NSW for them, and build a conference program that means they’re not just sitting in a room in the city – getting them out and about,” Mr Marshall said.
“Likewise, it’s there to give advice to local groups who are looking at bidding to host a conference for their organisation, but might not know where to start.”
Earlier this year NSW Labor had criticised government for dragging its feet on regional conferencing and tourism in general.
Business conferences are already worth $145 million to regional NSW, with organisations including the Country Women’s Association and Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association regularly holding events in the bush.
“And we’re confident we can easily double that ($145m) with the work we’re doing here,” Mr Marshall said.
Other testimonials on the newly-launced meetmeinnsw.com website feature success stories from groups such as Australian Wagyu – who met in Albury this year - as well as Ancold Dam Operators (Jindabyne) and the Industrial Supply Group (Port Stephens).
The NSW Nationals themselves hold annual conferences in a different part of the state. They went to Broken Hill in May, Tweed Heads in 2016, and Pokolbin in 2015. Cowra is up next in 2018.
So why go to the effort of heading into regional NSW?
“First, you can fly there quite cheaply,” Mr Marshall said.
“Venue hire is also a fraction of the cost. You have access to very good facilities in the regions without compromising quality.
“And no matter where you go, you get a unique experience that metro regions can’t offer. Something out of the box. Country hospitality. These are communities that bend over backwards to help you.
“They understand the value of bringing a conference town, and the value that comes from selling a place to 300, 400 people who have never been there before.”
The plan announced on Friday includes:
- The establishment of a Regional Conferencing Unit within Destination NSW which will work closely with industry and the Destination Networks to buildcapacity and increase the number of business events held in regional NSW.
- The launch of a website portal called ‘Meet in Regional NSW’ to help showcase the array of business event venues and destinations in regional NSW.
- The development of a NSW Regional Conferencing Toolkit which offers the tools and tips of the trade for regional business event suppliers.
- The launch of a pilot NSW Regional Conferencing Development Grants program which will provide investment on a matched-dollar-for-dollar basis to attract more conventions, meetings and business events in rural and regional NSW. An initial investment of $500,000 has been allocated to this pilot program.
Alex Druce
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
