NSW budget backs events and national parks but cuts funding for Destination NSW

Arts, culture and public transport are to benefit from funding commitments in the NSW Government’s 2023/24 budget but promotional agency Destination NSW has seen its total revenue cut to $273 million, down from $382 million in 2022/23.

Looking to return to a modest $844 million surplus in 2024/25, the budget includes $74 million over four years to upgrade visitor infrastructure in the state’s national parks and $1.2 billion for arts, culture, music and the night-time economy.

In addition to cuts to Destination NSW’s budget, two events backed by the previous government intended to attract people back into Sydney’s CBD have also been axed.

The budget pulls funding for both the Open for Lunch and Noel Sydney Christmas festival following advice from Destination NSW, which said they failed to attract enough people from interstate or overseas.

Expressing disappointment in the cuts, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Chief Executive, Margy Osmond warned the funding cut to Destination NSW’s budget could impact the recovery of the international visitor economy.

Osmond advised “reduced funding for marketing at Destination NSW will make it harder to market Sydney and regional NSW as a travel destination, potentially meaning fewer visitors from across Australia and overseas.

“We’re facing one of the most competitive global tourism markets we have ever seen and with other states maintaining their funding for tourism marketing agencies, New South Wales risks falling behind.

“Given international visitors are still below pre-pandemic levels in NSW, we need all the support possible to attract visitors, to help support tourism operators and thousands of Australians they employ.”

However, Osmond said it was great to see the NSW Government set aside significant funds for arts, culture, music and the night-time economy.

She also praised the continued support for major events like Vivid, Mardi Gras and the Sydney Festival, as well as the Narooma Oyster Festival on the state’s south coast and the Great Southern Nights festival.

Commenting on the national parks funding, Osmond added “this will help ensure national parks are properly maintained with new walking paths, camping grounds and other local amenities to help attract more visitors.”

Among these measures, the NSW Government is providing $31.2 million for a Music Scene Plan developed to support contemporary music, with the establishment of a new body called Sound NSW.

Osmond also welcomed the investment in public transport and road upgrades, to help improve the passenger experience across the state.

The $72.3 billion to be invested over the next four years to improve road, train, metro, bus, ferry, light rail, and active transport options, including improved access to the Western Sydney International Airport is a good outcome.

Penrith Stadium
The budget also confirms plans to deliver $309 million to the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium with a commitment that the final project scope will be considered in the 2024/25 budget year.

A small amount of funding has been set aside in this Budget year for planning.

The budget papers advised “redevelopment of Penrith Stadium will turn it into a word-class suburban sport, entertainment and community venue.”

Images: Capertee Valley National_Park (top, credit: NSW Government/K. Eardley) and the Great Southern Nights festival (below).