Dubbo secures tourism Investment

Zoo and film enthusiasts in the NSW city of Dubbo are benefit from announcements that Dubbo is set to receive additional funding to the tune of $300,000, courtesy of the NSW Government's $5 million Regional Tourism Product Development Funding Program.

Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant, announced the funding on behalf of Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, that will directly benefit tourism operators Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Cockatoo Institute.

Grant said that an independent panel of industry experts had recommended both Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Cockatoo Institute Ltd (formerly known as Dungog Film Festival Ltd), above other applications as part of a highly competitive selection process.

Grant explained "I am delighted to announce that Destination NSW has awarded Taronga Western Plains Zoo funding of $100,000 to construct a new wildlife experience with upgraded accommodation facilities.

Explaining this funding, Grant added "visitors will have the opportunity to stay overnight and have close-up encounters with animals within the zoo's Australian animal precinct.

The Cockatoo Institute Ltd will receive $200,000 for the Inland NSW Film Festival.

"The 2012 event will feature restored Australian masterpieces and new cutting edge short films in digital format, as well as new youth activities and programs.

"This is another great boost for our community coming on the back of the $139,000 awarded by the NSW Government in January for local tourism projects in Dubbo."

Destination NSW has awarded a total of $1.75 million under second stream of the program which will see funding provided to sixteen tourism businesses across NSW to expand their visitor attractions.

1st September 2009 - ZOO MISLED PUBLIC OVER ANIMAL SALES