Council & Business
1 August, 2025
More funding to boost tourism
The State Government has committed additional funding for regional tourism businesses through a boost to their Regional Tourism Network Industry Strengthening Program.
The funding announced on Monday offers additional support for the state’s Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEPs) to deliver training and support for regional tourism businesses.
The funding follows State Government’s transition, since 2023, to a network of VEPs who are the official voice for tourism in their region.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos’ said VEPs will be eligible to receive up to $100,000 each in additional funding to continue supporting local tourism businesses.
“We’re backing local experts to deliver targeted support for local tourism operators and support the continued growth of Victoria’s world-class tourism offerings,” he said.
According to State Government, nearly 1000 Victorian tourism businesses have already benefitted from the program which aims to bolster Victoria’s tourism industry.
“We continue investing in our tourism sector to give visitors unique experiences across the state and to ensure regional Victoria’s visitor economy continues to thrive,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The Central Goldfields Shire is currently transitioning into a new partnership with Destination Central Victoria — a VEP including Mount Alexander Shire, Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire.
It’s a new relationship that council’s general manager community wellbeing Emma Little is confident will pay off with this funding.
“Council welcomes this State Government investment in Visitor Economy Partnerships, and has full confidence that Destination Central Victoria, who we recently joined will bring a coordinated approach to this industry development, amplifying the success of businesses across the region,” she said.
While council’s decision to join the VEP was carried in May, a key incentive was there seemed to be no alternative state funding source for tourism across the shire.
Instead, as councillor Murphy shared, membership meant they could access a shared pool of $500,000 — including $350,000 from State Government.
“At the end of the day the State Government goes ‘yep this is where we’d like you to go. Here’s your little kicker, a little $350,000,’ I’m happy with that,” Cr Murphy said.
The State Government’s contribution was unclear in the report, however it may be referring to an annual operating grant for the first two years of the new VEP.
Membership in Destination Central Victoria requires an already budgeted financial contribution of $30,000 in year one, and $40,000 in year two and ongoing compared to $10,000 plus website costs to be a part of Bendigo Regional Tourism (BRT).