TQUAL
Up to $100,000 in funding is available for innovative tourism projects.
Applications close 3 May 2013
Call (03) 9005 6789 For Grant Assistance
About
The Government has allocated $40 million in government grants over 4 years from 1 July 2011 for TQUAL Grants to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the Australian tourism industry by making funding available for tourism projects that enhance and refresh Australia’s tourism offering and its competitiveness as a destination.
Objectives
The Government has established the TQUAL Grants program to fund projects which:
- Develop innovative and strategic tourism products and experiences through joint investment to enhance and support the sustainable economic growth of the host communities and regions; and
- Develop the industry’s capacity to address the principles set out in the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.
Eligible Activities
The TQUAL funding program will support the following types of tourism projects:
- Implementation projects such as innovative tourism product, service or experience refreshment or upgrade;
- Initiation projects such as feasibility studies; and
- Projects which support the industry’s capacity to be innovative and productive, or that offer leadership to the industry (driven by national peak or sectoral tourism associations).
See some of the TQUAL case studies from previous years to get an idea of what they like to fund:
- TQUAL – Case Study – Melbourne Aquarium
- TQUAL – Case Study – Djabugay Rain Forest Tours
- TQUAL – Case Study – Newcastle City Evolutions
- TQUAL – Case Study – Pannys World of Chocolate
- TQUAL – Case Study – Wildflower Country
- TQUAL – Case Study – Yugambeh Museum
Also see the full list of TQUAL recipients here:
Alternatively, contact us and see what we think of your project.
What is the chance of success?
The chance of success based on random selection from previous rounds was:
- TQUAL Round 1: 39% (117 successful applications from 300 applications)
- TQUAL Round 2: 22% (77 successful applications from 350 applications)
- TIRF Round 1: 8% (65 successful applications from 763 applications)
Expert Assistance
Writing a good quality grant application is a critical element in the application process. An application needs to be well thought through, written concisely, have clear objectives and purpose, and show clear links to the objectives of the grant guidelines.
The grant application must answer all questions, provide all required information and respond to the merit criteria. It should also reflect your organisation’s business strategy.
Writing a good application takes time and effort, and requires particular writing skills.
Bulletpoint are expert grant consultants and can assist with all aspects of grant preparation. We also dont wait for the guidelines to be announced as we know what is required in order to be successful.
Call us on (03) 9005 6789 or email to discuss further.
We can assist with demonstrating:
- how the project is innovative and provides a quality tourism product or experience in the region
- alignment to the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy and Tourism 2020, and state/territory or regional economic development/tourism plans
- the need for the project
- long term financial viability of the project (in particular after the grant period)
- a clear plan for sharing project experiences, outcomes and lessons with the tourism industry
- a capacity to deliver the project
- sound project methodology including budget, timeline and community involvement
- value for money including a need for funding
Timing
The 2013 round of T-QUAL Grants is now open for applications and will close at 5pm on Friday, 3 May 2013.
Further Information
2012 Recipients
| Applicant | Title | Description | Grant |
| Muru Mittigar | Ngara – Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Center Development Project | This Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Centre will engage visitors with hands-on experiences through exhibitions, a museum, interactive media, tours by Aboriginal guides, storytelling and dance and didgeridoo and boomerang workshops in an outdoor amphitheatre. Funding will be used to develop a cultural walk, create interactive media installations, develop a retail area and restore external spaces. | $110,000 |
| Featherdale Farm and Aviaries | Featherdale Wildlife Park – Koala country Redevelopment | The redevelopment of “Koala Country” at Featherdale Wildlife Park. The renovated precinct will provide a high quality Koala holding and breeding facility which encourages visitors to interact with Australia’s most unique icon – the Koala. Koala Country will offer all day Koala encounters in naturalistic surroundings, provide digital photography opportunities and allow for live stream Koala footage via Featherdale’s website. | $110,000 |
| Katoomba Scenic Railway | Extensive installation and de-installation process of Sculpture at Scenic World 2013 | Sculpture At Scenic World 2013 will expand the vision of the inaugural Sculpture at Scenic World 2012. As an expanded exhibition, it will offer more local, national and international artists an opportunity to take part in a world class exhibition in a rainforest setting in Australia’s World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The 2012 exhibition will attract new visitors, encourage extended stays and re-visitation to the region. | $82,588 |
| Cockatoo Institute | Inland NSW Film Festival Feasibility Study & Event Model | To conduct a Feasibility Study and create an Event Model which will result in a generic implementation plan applied to regional locations, starting with Armidale and Broken Hill and expanding to destinations across Australia. The Feasibility Study will establish the ability of these locations to deliver an event and identify other eligible interstate organisations/locations that could, with mentorship and support, utilise the model. | $88,929.50 |
| Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park | Big Cat Adventures | The Lion Around – Big Cat Adventures project will offer visitors a unique close up encounter with both the African Lion and Cheetah. The exhibits will allow visitors to get as close as possible to the animals and allow keepers to perform interactive demonstrations. | $110,000 |
| Ecoline | The suspended-Treehouse | Design and construct a Tree house function room. The Tree house will be combined with existing team building activities on offer in the State Forest providing customers with a unique venue that can be booked for meetings or private functions. This development poses a unique opportunity for regional NSW to offer something new and exciting to the corporate group market and capture the demand for natural tourism experiences. | $55,000 |
| The Bower at Broulee | Upgrade of ecotourism | Upgrade of existing luxury cabins and environs to enable the Bower at Broulee to provide a premium international ready sustainable tourism product into the next decade. This will involve upgrading three of the older cabins to quality international ready status, installing gas hot water systems, landscaping environs around cabins, and developing innovative interpretive resources and improved entrance signage. | $110,000 |
| Koomooloo Wines | Philip Shaw Wines – Wine, Cider and Food Interpretation Centre | Develop a complex based around a two-storey, 19th Century bluestone barn that will showcase the wine, cider and horticultural production of the Orange region. The centre will blend the barn with a reception centre, a tasting and exhibition area, a demonstration garden and orchard, a working vineyard and rotating horticultural crops to illustrate regional food production. | $110,000 |
| CQ Leisure Investments | Tabatinga Family Fun Centre – Tweed Heads | Develop a rainforest themed family entertainment centre with multiple attractions appealing to toddlers right up to grandparents. The Tweed venue will heavily feature the Green Cauldron, providing an excellent experience for families with young children. | $110,000 |
| Australian Reptile Park | Reptilian Adventure Playground at the Australian Reptile Park | Design and build a Reptilian Adventure playground at the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby – as an attraction within an attraction. It will feature a Ball Python tail slippery dip, frog rocking features, interpretive walls with games and activities and a climb on kangaroo sculpture. | $63,213.70 |
| Taronga Conservation Society Australia | Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat Feasibility Study | Undertake a feasibility study to establish an Eco Retreat located at Taronga Zoo. The study will include detailed site analysis, demand, financial and operational modelling, transport and environmental planning and conceptual designs. It is envisaged the Eco Retreat will deliver boutique eco-certified accommodation, with up to 60 rooms. | $110,000 |
| Glenworth Valley Horse Riding | Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures Eco-cabin Development | Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures will diversify and enhance its tourism product by introducing innovative eco-wilderness cabins. As Australia’s largest outdoor adventure centre, GVOA welcomes 83,000 visitors annually. The cabins will increase overnight visitation by up to 20%, bringing much needed economic and employment outcomes for the NSW Central Coast. | $110,000 |
| Southern Highlands Youth Arts Council | Mary Poppins Birthplace Statue – Bowral | The creator of Mary Poppins lived in Bowral until 1917. By erecting an elegant life-size bronze statue of Mary Poppins as commemorative public art, this project will highlight the hidden depths of Australia’s history and literary heritage for visitors from all over the world. It will be a feature attraction on the Southern Highlands and form a thematic platform for developing a range of events, festivals and tourism campaigns. | $26,400.00 |
| Wayoutback Desert Safaris | Yulara and Kings Creek Station campsite upgrades | A refurbishment of 3 existing campsites into upmarket permanent camps with facilities to meet the expectations and demands of the Chinese market in particular. It will provide environmental and eco sensitive overnight camping accommodation, including protective dining facilities, accommodation, solar powered services, erosion mitigation and protective fencing. | $110,000 |
| Australia Nature Tours | Developing volun-tourism in Australia’s Red Centre | This project will develop a sustainable volun-tourism business model in the Red Centre. Volun-tourism packages will offer contemporary, multi day, nature based experiences. They include all the travel essentials: accommodation, meals, expert local guides, conservation/research activities, sightseeing and transport. Conservation Volunteers will work with Park agencies, tour operators and other key stakeholders including Traditional Owners to develop up to ten new international market ready experiences. | $48,400 |
| NT Infrastructure | Eco Family Cabins promoting our heritage and outdoor living culture | Themed visitor accommodation will be constructed at Litchfield Tourist Park – as part of an authentic outback experience. The rustic design is Territory outback and provides an outdoor living/dining area and a spacious bathroom with an outdoor shower overlooking it’s own tropical garden. The interior furnishings will be designed to display the property’s ‘cattle country’ heritage. | $110,000 |
| The Zebra Catering Company | Development of outback luxury eco-camp facility for the Larapinta Trail. | Development of environmentally sensitive and sustainable permanent camp facilities adjacent to the Larapinta Trail. The project will enhance the delivery of an existing high-end walking and cultural experience in the West MacDonnell Ranges; establishing an “outback luxury” camp conducive to attracting new clients looking for a level of comfort not currently available in the region. | $88,000 |
| Gold Coast City Council | Experience Gold Coast: Innovative Product Development for International Student Travel | This project will support tourism businesses to better understand the travel preferences and behaviour of international students studying in Australia. The project will be undertaken by a consortium of stakeholders – including the local youth tourism industry association, the Gold Coast Adventure Travel Group, Gold Coast Tourism and Gold Coast City Council – in partnership with Griffith University and The University of Queensland. | $27,500 |
| East Coast Parks | Roma Aussie Tourist Park Accommodation Expansion Project | The project will increase the capacity and productivity of the Roma Aussie Tourist Park through the construction of 20 additional accommodation units. The project will double the Park’s built accommodation capacity. The units will be constructed off-site, installed-on site, connected to services and landscaped. | $110,000 |
| Keydane | Human Hamster Wheel Interactive Cable Lift | Jungle Surfing’s Human Hamster Wheel is a world first: an interactive lifting device that raises customers from ground level to a treetop platform to begin their guided tour through the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, and provides a tangible example of alternative power production. The T-QUAL grant will fund the completion of engineering plans to global benchmark standards, fabrication, installation and commissioning. | $104,500 |
| Touchdex | Create multi-lingual capability for existing visitor information and ticketing kiosks | Upgrade existing electronic ticketing and tourism information kiosk system to include a multilingual facility to enable non English speaking tourists to use the kiosks. The upgrade will also include converting the machines to include a card reader for credit cards. Initial research will be carried out to decide the languages needed. | $110,000 |
| Quicksilver Connections | Feasibility Report Redevelopment Green Island Underwater Observatory | Prepare Architectural, Structural, Ecological and Social/Cultural Value Reports to be included in an application to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Ports North to convert the Green Island Underwater Observatory facility into a modern interpretive centre. | $16,643 |
| Sablestar | Installation of Water Park at Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park | This project involves setting up a water park with disabled assisted facilities at the Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park. T-QUAL funds will be used to install a water park with waterslides and disabled accessible water play area; convert part of the existing laundry to a dual purpose family/disabled assisted bathroom; and construct a family friendly beach house with disabled assisted facilities. |
$110,000 |
| Jondaryan Woolshed | Construction of a café/restaurant to facilitate event program development | A café restaurant will be developed as part of the Jondaryan Woolshed’s product development strategy; to further develop the annual event program, particularly the annual Golden Shears Festival with the aim of staging the World Golden Shears Competition in 2017.The café will cater for increased tour groups, weddings and functions, will provide upgraded foodservices for visitor accommodation and support expansion of the current range of wool industry activities. | $110,000 |
| S J & L G Taylor | Glamping in Australia’s Green Cauldron: Eco-friendly luxury and wildlife experience | Expansion of an eco-tourism certified Ketchup’s Bank Glamping experience in Australia’s Green Cauldron, one of Australia’s National Landscapes. The eco-retreat provides high-end camping and close encounters with wildlife to the experience-seeker market. The addition of two eco-tents will double capacity at the retreat, increasing its attraction to international visitors to the region, resulting in a higher profile and further economic growth, while strengthening the ability of the project to drive conservation and tourism partnerships. | $110,000 |
| Gold Coast Surf Industry Taskforce | Benchmarking Global Best Practice, Innovation and Leadership in Surf City Tourism | This project aims to benchmark and measure global best practice in surf city tourism to provide a framework for identifying innovative surf tourism practices that position the Gold Coast as a global leader in surf city tourism and surf industry governance and management practices. The results of the study will be presented at the inaugural Global Surf Cities Conference 2013 on the Gold Coast. | $30,250 |
| Souter Adventures | Murphy’s Creek Escape Luxury Tent Eco Tourism Project | Erect six Serengeti Safari Tents within an existing ‘Integrated nature-based’ facility. The project will deliver to the tourism industry a model for business excellence in Eco-tourism. It delivers the Lockyer Valley a niche Eco Tourism platform that launches under an established operation known for it’s environmental best practise approach. | $110,000 |
| Mission Beach Tourism | Turning the Tide Interactive Centre Concept Mission Beach | Develop a conceptual strategy and design plan to redevelop the current Wet Tropics Visitor Information Centre at Mission Beach into an interactive interpretive centre showcasing the area as the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. | $110,000 |
| Miro | Mt Cotton Retreat Eco Cabins | Construct and fit out 3 luxury ‘Eco-cabins’, including one fully accessible cabin, at the Mount Cotton Retreat. Upgrade the water collection, sanitising and distribution system to ensure fire fighting capacity. Reshape existing and develop additional car parking capacity; road entry crossovers and pathways. | $110,000 |
| BG Hotels | Esplanade café and bar | In support of the Intercontinental Hotels Group’s China ready strategy, develop a new 120 seat alfresco cafe and bar. The service standards, communications, staff training and product lines will have a heavy Chinese influence, effectively meaning that the Chinese tourism market will be offered a contemporary dining experience with a familiar flavour. | $110,000 |
| Cobbold Gorge Tours | Cobbold Village Enhancement – Supporting sustainable Tourism in the Gulf Savannah (Stage 2) | Upgrade tourism facilities and equipment at Robin Hood Station in the Gulf Savannah region with modern, energy efficient equipment and infrastructure. Replace electric hot water systems with solar, replace external cladding and roof infrastructure and provide porches to existing accommodation. | $110,000 |
| North Gregory Hotel | Retrofit of the North Gregory Hotel, Winton | T-QUAL funding is for Phase 2 of the hotel’s Retro Refit, to increase room numbers and install private en-suites in authentic 1950s style. Winton’s accommodation capacity will increase by 8% and offer a higher quality, unique experience. The project will increase length of stay and spend per visitor for regional attractions including the Waltzing Matilda Centre and dinosaur experiences. |
$110,000 |
| Aurora Ozone Hotel | Upgrade Project | The project will upgrade 6 existing old style hotel rooms from 3.5 star to 4 star rating, achieved by complete refurbishment of all aspects of the room fit out and furnishings, plus converting existing windows to give direct French-door access to wide verandas with sea views. | $55,000 |
| Kangaroo Island Shellfish | Development of a Regional Aquaculture and Sustainable Seafood Interpretative Centre | Phase 1 (of 3 phases) to develop a regional Aquaculture and Sustainable Seafood Interpretive Centre on Kangaroo Island will integrate into a working farm and provide a new/unique experiential farm-gate attraction. The project will enhance the existing entrance and dining areas to include retail space and a café; redesign of work areas in The Oyster Farm Shop making space for experiential interpretive displays and provide a ‘showcase for regional aquaculture ventures and their products. | $44,000 |
| Ngeringa Vineyards | A purpose built eco cellar door offering estate-grown, biodynamic fine wine and food | This project will construct a purpose-built cellar door (with art exhibition capabilities) and outdoor dining facilities employing architecture that reflects the surrounding landscape and using the latest energy-efficiency and waste-minimisation technology. Educational gardens, emphasising local native species, will surround the facilities. | $110,000 |
| Seppeltsfield Wines | Seppeltsfield Heritage Stable Building adaptive conversion to Artisan & Craft Centre | The conversion of the existing heritage stables building into a fully functioning Artisan and Craft Knowledge Centre. This Centre will allow tourist viewing of the extensive artistic activities, showcases and displays at Seppeltsfield Village. | $110,000 |
| South Australian Tourism Industry Council Inc. | SA – Tourism Excellence | A series of interactive seminars and workshops to build digital capability amongst operators across South Australia. The outcome of the project is to enable tourism operators to improve their online and digital skills to the point where they can succeed in growing their ‘online’ business, including websites, social media strategies, booking systems, peer reviews and online distribution. | $31,361 |
| Nuriootpa Vine Inn Hotel Motel | Completing the accommodation refreshment of Barossa Valley’s only Community Hotel | Refreshment of the remaining 18 rooms to 4 star standard at the community owned Vine Inn Hotel. A direct outcome will be development of improved corporate packages and local experiential tours in conjunction with other local attraction providers e.g. wineries and sporting events. | $110,000 |
| Premium Wine Brands | Sustainability initiatives and interpretative signage upgrades, including Mandarin translations | The Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre currently showcases environmental sustainability. This project implements further sustainability initiatives to reduce the Centre’s carbon footprint. Additionally, signage, information and interpretation facilities will be upgraded, including the translation of signage into Mandarin to enhance visitor enjoyment and engagement. | $88,000 |
| Ivivi | Chateau Tanunda Estate Development Project | This project will enhance the current cellar door tasting facility with the introduction of a café, the renovation of the cellar door tasting bar, a Site Interpretation Plan to connect visitors with the Chateau Tanunda story, and the development of new Smartphone technology to allow visitors to take self guided heritage tours of the Estate in English, Chinese and German. | $110,000 |
| Adelaide Convention Bureau Ltd | Adelaide Convention Bureau – Enhancing On-line Business Tourism Services and Information | The Adelaide Convention Bureau aims to upgrade its website and associated tools/systems offering business events visitors/organisers to South Australia greater information and connections with specific product. The project will include an improved website design, interactive client / operator pages and an interactive social media platform. | $34,650 |
| Glen Roy Winemakers | Glen Roy Shearing Shed Community Shared Table of Winery, Kitchen and Produce | The Glen Roy Shearing Shed is located in the Coonawarra Wine region in SA. The project converts this historic building to an interactive community winery, kitchen, produce garden, education centre and campground. | $110,000 |
| Southern Australian Touring Route | Great Australian Journeys – commercialisation of touring routes | Great Australian Journeys is an online collaboration between three well established touring routes linking Melbourne to Alice Springs. The project will commercialise the Great Australian Journeys website by integrating a Dynamic Itinerary Builder. The DIB will provide consumers, industry and trade with a single point of contact to convert intention to travel to actual bookings. The online booking facility will integrate mobile device capability. | $29,150 |
| WR & CM Edmonds | Internationally recognisable platinum eco-friendly accommodation located along the Murray River | This innovative style of self-contained eco-accommodation will provide three luxury wellness retreat villas called “The Natury”; making the upper Murray River and wetlands accessible to a new type of clientele. The Natury will demonstrate the highest quality accommodation, whilst embracing environmentally sustainable design, construction and ongoing practices. | $110,000 |
| Derwent Sailing Squadron | A String of Pearls – Enhancing Sailing Tourism in Southern Tasmania | This project aims to attract more sailing tourism to Tasmania with more visits and longer stays. It will create a “String of Pearls” – a series of strategically placed mooring facilities at key locations within sheltered waters around Hobart, and establish an online/mobile reservation system for visitors. The online system would also provide detailed data on visitor consumption patterns. | $47,025 |
| Inala-Bruny Island | Inala Bruny Island: upgrade and development of nature-based tourism experiences | Provision of facilities including world-class bird-hides fitted with remote sensing equipment for maximum viewing and photographic opportunities, development of a Gondwanan arboretum and a natural interpretive centre, and infrastructure upgrades will meet client demand, increase product satisfaction and allow the business to remain competitive on a global scale in an environmentally-sustainable manner. | $110,000 |
| The Maria Island Walk | New Convict Experience for the Maria Island Walk | Capitalising on the recent listing World Heritage listing of Maria Island’s convict probation station, The Maria Island Walk plans to develop an exciting new tourism experience based on Maria Island’s unique convict past. Revealing stories of the past never before told, the new experience will offer an exciting new historical dimension to guests on the four day Maria Island Walk and will set a new benchmark for heritage tourism experiences. Overnight accommodation capacity on Maria Island will also be upgraded to allow walking trip sizes to increase from eight to ten guests. | $110,000 |
| Spreyton Fresh | Creation of an apple orchard experience, including orchard walk | The project will create a complete cider experience, set in the historic Mersey Valley. This will be achieved by Landscaping the area surrounding the tasting room and production facility; providing facilities for picnics and barbecues; construction of a self guided orchard walk with interpretive signage; rehabilitation of a historic coal mine on the property; and planting of a demonstration block of heritage cider apples. | $77,000 |
| Mount Gnomon Farm | Rare Breed Experiences | This project will create an enriched visitor experience at Mount Gnomon Farm, a rare breeds farm at Penguin, through the construction of an on farm commercial kitchen/processing shop. The commercial kitchen will allow for the existing farm business to expand into tourism and provide on site samples for paddock to plate tours. The constructed building will also be used as a rare breed interpretation centre/gallery. | $110,000 |
| King Island Getaway Holidays | King Island Fine Food – Paddock to Plate | Renovation and fit-out of an existing building to a multi-purpose hospitality complex consisting of a cookery school, training centre and restaurant. Construction and fit-out will include a commercial kitchen, dining facilities and amenities. The facility will also be available to be utilised by the local tourism and hospitality industry, enabling increased quality of service and skills acquisition. | $110,000 |
| Gremardem | Flinders Island Cabin Park Eco-Cabin and Commercial Kitchen Upgrade | The project consists of the refurbishment to three cabins with the addition of en suites, installation of an environmentally sound, stand alone, solar system and upgrade to a commercial kitchen to provide in-room meal service. The aim is to provide a greater range of accommodation and dining options and decrease dependency on diesel generated electricity. | $44,000 |
| Freycinet Marine Farm | Freycinet Marine Farm’s future space project | Freycinet Marine Farm’s refurbishment will enhance the visitor experience with improved seating and eating areas, expanded and revamped farming displays, an innovative interpretation area, improved cold storage and refrigerated displays, and an improved and safer main road entry and exit coupled with a larger more amenable car park. | $43,406 |
| Port Arthur Historic Site | Interpretative Signage Project | This project will provide interpretative signage that will visually link Port Arthur’s three sites, introduce visitors to their heritage values, establish connections with the convict story and ensure that the more local stories of the community are told. With the enhancement of ‘multi-media nodes’, the project will create a thematic style guide and template, adopt a design format that will lead the visitor to and through internal features and external places, and create text and graphics for individual signs. | $110,000 |
| Circular Head Tourism Association | Implementation of the Multilingual Digital Stanley Interactive Heritage Trail Tour | This project will install 14 signs enabled with unique scannable QR codes at significant sites of cultural and historical importance and of interest to tourists in the Circular Head region. Once scanned and the information enabled, the visitor will be able to access facts about the location and link to a number of other ‘place related’ applications. Codes will be scan-able with any QR barcode reader application installed on an internet enabled smart phone or by entering a URL on the phone’s web browser. | $35,189 |
| Cradle Huts | Feasibility Assessment of new guided tented walks product in Tasmanian National Parks | The project is to complete a feasibility study and product development plan for a new guided tented walking experience for visitors to the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain Lake – St Clair National Park Tasmania. The project will complement the existing renowned walking experiences offered by Cradle Huts by providing a more affordable adventure based walking experience to attract new target markets. The product will enhance Tasmania’s position as a world class nature based walking destination. | $51,700 |
| Redlands Estate Distillery | The Redlands Estate Complete Whiskey Experience, from “paddock to bottle” | The development of a complete whisky tourism experience – enabling visitors to Redlands Estate Distillery to trace the production of malt whisky from paddock to class. The project will see the establishment of a traditional malting floor as part of the whisky distilling process and the restoration of the historic buildings in the complex. | $110,000 |
| Kryal Castle | Entry Attraction “Labyrinth of the Dragons Sorcerer” | The Labyrinth of the Dragon Sorcerer, a new entry experience attraction at Kryal Castle, Ballarat, will reposition the Kryal Castle tourism product and experience. This walk through, high tech, special effects family attraction will be the new gateway and first impression of the Castle. | $110,000 |
| Parklands Albury Wodonga | Volun-Tourism of Highest Irish Gauge Trestle Trail in Australia | A project to restore three unique heritage bridges in Koetong, on the Wodonga to Corryong High Country Rail Trail, using an innovative, cost effective, ‘volun-tourism’ model as a solution to heritage bridge restoration. The project will close a critical strategic gap in the highest Irish Gauge Timber Trestle Rail Trail in Australia. | $55,000 |
| Brandy Creek Day Spa | Build a 520sqm water spa and treatment complex | The Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre will build a 520sqm water spa and treatment complex that will integrate with existing facilities to offer a comprehensive fine food, fine wine and fine feeling experience. | $110,000 |
| Creswick Woollen Mills | From the farm gate to the store, an Australian experience at Creswick Woollen Mills. | Creswick Woollen Mills will develop new interpretive signage and create accessible displays designed to enhance tourists’ experience. In addition modifications to the entry and internal spaces will be undertaken in order to streamline tourism activities, especially the Events Program. | $103,950 |
| LGT Enterprises | Augmented Reality Application that transports visitors back to old Melbourne. | LGT will develop an Augmented Reality Application that integrates virtual images into historical Melbourne locations through mobile devices. Guests will be transported back in time to see historic images, famous Melbourne characters and the odd ghost through their smart-phones and tablet PCs. | $44,055 |
| Phillip Island Nature Parks | Penguin Parade mobile application with multi-lingual interpretive content. | A mobile interpretive application will be developed for the Penguin Parade. It will facilitate an immersive visitor experience, in different languages, using engaging technology. Interpretive signs along the Penguin Parade boardwalks will prompt visitors with smart-phone devices to access interpretive multimedia content, including video into penguin burrows and live data feeds from an existing ‘penguin weighbridge’. Each page will be accompanied by an audio clip and text in the six languages of the most frequent visitor segments to the Penguin Parade. | $110,000 |
| Healesville Sanctuary | World of the Platypus – Be immersed in a world first platypus experience at Healesville Sanctuary. | The World of the Platypus will be a unique visitor experience and a world first. The new platypus arena will provide seating for 300 visitors to see hands on presentations by keepers with a platypus in the water. In addition, a new Magic Moment (close encounter) will be developed as a unique, high end product. Healesville Sanctuary is the only place in the world that is able to showcase such experiences. Funding will contribute to the cost of the arena, presentation pool and holding area. | $110,000 |
| Victoria Hot Springs | The Cups Bird Sanctuary and Wetlands | The Cups Bird Sanctuary and Wetlands eco-tourism project will see the restoration of 10 acres of Moonah woodland/wetland habitat including the building of extensive lakes and waterways creating a unique flora and fauna attraction. | $110,000 |
| Mitchell Harris | Mitchell Harris Wines Urban Cellar Door in Ballarat. | Development of a Mitchell Harris Wines Urban Cellar Door in Ballarat. Refurbishment of a 19th Century building of historical significance in Ballarat CBD into a cellar door and modern winery for Mitchell Harris Wines. The UCD will offer winemaking operations, tasting and education to visitors in a central, urban environment. | $110,000 |
| Beechworth Honey Experience | Beechworth Honey Discovery | An interactive Discovery Centre themed around a bee garden and honey mead cellar door experience complimented by a honey discovery kitchen. The kitchen will focus on special events and act as a regional culinary centre hosting visiting chefs, cooking classes, demonstrations and learning activities. Mead tasting, interpretive bee discovery information, kids activities and bee themed play areas will provide unique “edutainment”. | $110,000 |
| Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers | Conservation Holidays Stimulating Growth and Yield in Regional Victoria | Conservation Holidays ‘Stimulating Growth and Yield in Regional Victoria’ is a joint initiative between Parks Victoria and Australia’s leading not-for-profit conservation organisation, Conservation Volunteers. Conservation Holidays will provide new and contemporary sustainable experiences in Victoria’s regional national parks and reserves where travellers on a guided tour also contribute to a conservation outcome. | $101,750 |
| Bendigo’s Park Lane Holiday Park | Bendigo’s Goldfields Sizzling Summer Splash Pad | The construction of Victoria’s first ‘Splash Pad’ water play facility in the Bendigo Holiday Park. With a zero water depth, this attraction allows parents to relax and take a break while their children have fun. | $110,000 |
| Chocolate Destinations Australia | Development of Yarra Valley Chocolaterie orchards, wildlife corridor and landscaping. | The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie project will deliver a unique and innovative international tourist attraction to the region; incorporating the local indigenous culture and native plantings, extensive nature trails and a wildlife corridor, family friendly grassed play areas including a maze, with a fully operating chocolate production facility using ingredients grown on site. | $110,000 |
| Giant’s Castle | Laharum Grove hospitality precinct – construction and access | The architect designed hospitality precinct at Laharum Grove integrates the existing olive production facility with an in-door restaurant, out-door dining in the olive grove, landscaped courtyard dining and a tasting and sales ‘farm-gate’. This enterprise aims to support local tourism by proving a high quality, family-friendly, ‘slow food’ dining (or tasting) experience for all visitors to the Grampians, enhancing the region’s reputation as a ‘foodies’ destination. | $110,000 |
| WAITOC Association | WAITOC Indigenous Tourism Awards | To determine the feasibility of the proposed WAITOC Indigenous Tourism Awards. This industry driven initiative aims to encourage more Indigenous owned/operated tourism businesses to participate in tourism awards. The processes and resources necessary for future implementation will also be examined in the event they may have wider application. | $16,500 |
| Howard Park Wines | “Wine chapel – unique wine museum educational experience targeting Chinese tourists” | Create an international standard wine educational facility for small groups to ensure that the visitor experience is at a higher level than at the present. Creating this museum cellar experience will add a high value experience, different to the current visitor experience. The aim is to create a ‘Wine Chapel” where the visitor steps into a world of high wine experience. The focus will be the Chinese market with an audio visual presentation in Mandarin. | $110,000 |
| Margaret River Nougat Company | Bettenay Margaret River Nougat Company - Production and Interpretative Centre Project | Establish a state of the art production facility to include a purpose built kitchen, an interpretive centre where visitors can learn about the history of nougat, how it’s made and the local products used in the process. The facility will include area’s for nougat tastings, with the ability to offer ‘hands on’ demonstrations, cooking displays and interactive activities such as honey extracting sessions. | $110,000 |
| City of Busselton | Attracting Marine Tourism: Berthing Facility, Busselton Jetty | A Business Case Feasibility Study into the development of a casual marine berthing facility to attract private or commercial vessels, including charter boats for whale watching and diving expeditions and potentially Super yachts to the iconic Busselton Jetty and the redeveloping Busselton Foreshore. The scope of the feasibility will also include a study on the potential to attract cruise ship stopovers in Geographe Bay. | $38,335 |
| Tourism Council Western Australia | ATAP and ATDW Interface and Digital Enablement Project | This project will research, design, develop and implement a seamless system for tourism businesses going through ATAP accreditation to be uploaded to the ATDW and be part of the National digital distribution platform. 50 small to medium size WA regional tourism businesses will be provided with one on one digital coaching to utilise the interface and expand their digital capabilities. The project will be a test trial with a view to a national roll out. | $33,000 |
| Form Contemporary Craft and Design Inc | One Road – Canning Stock Route Mobile Application | One Road is a content and information rich interactive map of the historic 2000km Canning Stock Route in Western Australia. Produced for web, tablet and mobile technologies, One Road contains hundreds of films, stories and photographs, and is supplemented by geo-activated features including first-aid, bush mechanics, well and water quality data, fuel and available services information providing an invaluable resource for 4WD travellers along the stock route. | $55,000 |
| Shire of Exmouth | Ningaloo-Shark Bay National Landscape Experience Development Strategy | To develop an Experience Development Strategy for Western Australia’s Ningaloo-Shark Bay National Landscape, encompassing the Shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay. Outcomes of the project may include new or improved tourism products; business opportunities; facilities; services; information; marketing communication; visitor management and/or infrastructure. | $71,500 |
2011 Recipients
| Organisation | Project Description | Grant | |
| Viva Investments | Refurbishment of the ‘The Entrance Backpackers’ accommodation located in The Entrance Town Centre. The Entrance Backpackers will bring a new level of budget accommodation to the area, filling a current void in the market. The Entrance Backpackers will bring substantial economic benefit to the local region and boost international visitor numbers. | $110,000 | |
| Four Winds Vineyard Services | Construction of a cellar door building at the Four Winds Vineyard near Murrumbateman. Utilising innovative green construction and operating practices to create a sustainable attraction, the project will meet the need of the growing number of visitors demanding sustainable tourist attractions in the area. | $110,000 | |
| The Big Banana | Upgrade to the infrastructure, amenities and guest experience of the Water Park attraction based within the Big Banana Tourism Complex at Coffs Harbour. It is envisaged the upgrade will further establish the Big Banana as a destination showcase and assist with increasing visitation to the region by providing a more diverse modern tourist attraction. | $110,000 | |
| Coonabarabran Telescope | Relocate and refurbish the 40″ telescope from Siding Spring Observatory to “Milroy” west of Coonabarabran in NSW. This project will establish a new observatory providing astronomy tourists with amateur’s access to the largest publicly accessible telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. | $110,000 | |
| House with No Steps | Construction of infrastructure and signage for the Farm Gate Tractor Tour near Ballina NSW. A 30 minute tractor ride tour over the 172 acre property will be a major tourist drawcard, as a unique Australian experience, encompassing history, farming and food – the first of its kind in the region. It will also support disability employment activities with 89 employees with a disability supporting the sites operations. | $110,000 | |
| Untamed Group | Development of a China Ready handbook, information workshop and training material. This project will not only equip tourism operators with the skills required to become Chinese Ready, but it will also create a direct path to market through a promotional support and accreditation program. | $110,000 | |
| Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park | Construction of a crocodile exhibit at the Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park, Port Macquarie. This project is aimed at further engaging visitors, encouraging them to spend the whole day exploring the Park and the surrounding region. | $110,000 | |
| Silverback Properties as trustee for Terri Irwin Family Trust | Construction of Stage 1 of the ‘Africa at Australia Zoo’ exhibit, Beerwah. This project will have a significant impact on tourism in Australia, increasing visitors and supporting the local economy at a time when Queensland needs it the most. | $110,000 | |
| North Stradbroke Enterprises | Construction of two eco-accommodation structures at Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island. The project will incorporate cutting edge sustainability features in relation to energy efficiency, building materials, water consumption and waste management. These design prototypes will be tested and evaluated for use in other Holiday Parks on North Stradbroke Island. | $110,000 | |
| Gold Coast City Council | Provision of research services to investigate 2 possible dive wreck sites on the Gold Coast. Initial research has identified that a dedicated dive attraction would attract visitors, encourage repeat visitation and further enhance the Gold Coast’s image as a vibrant, world-class and unique destination. | $110,000 | |
| National Park | Interior modernisation of 60 rooms in O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat an iconic eco-tourism destination for 85 years on the Gold coast hinterland. The funding will be used to support a project that is integral to tourism industry development on the Gold Coast and which will stimulate private sector investment. | $110,000 | |
| Morton Island Ferries | Supply and construction of tent accommodation at Moreton Island. The project will provide guests with the opportunity to experience Moreton Island, which is listed on the Australia Heritage Register and has over 98% of the island designated as a National Park. | $110,000 | |
| Habitat Dome as trustee for Cairns Wildlife Dome Trust | Design, engineering and construction of additional infrastructure at Cairns ZOOm adventure course inside the Cairns Wildlife Dome Zoo. The project will provide infrastructure required within the existing building for Cairns ZOOm to be the only indoor, day/night adventure experience in Queensland which will appeal to local, domestic and international markets. | $110,000 | |
| Maranoa Regional Council | Upgrade of the Great Artesian Spa Hot Spring pools to minimise energy needs and allow for better use of resources in the management and maintenance of this facility. The project would result in with a high quality, safe upgrade of a popular tourist attraction to the benefit of the Mitchell area. | $110,000 | |
| Stephen Ross Landscaping as trustee for Ross Family Trust | Construction of a eco-tourism certified camp beside World Heritage Lamington National Park. The project will enhance and improves supply of genuinely sustainable high-quality tourism accommodation in a unique natural environment, supports economic growth and bolsters the region’s tourism reputation. | $110,000 | |
| Cobbold Gorge tours | Refurbishment of accommodation on Robin Hood Station, Far North Queensland. This project will assist in reducing the facility’s carbon footprint in addition to lifting service delivery to both international and domestic standards. | $110,000 | |
| Dreamworld | Feasibility study examining options to overlay existing tourism products at Dreamworld, with awareness and education about the history and contribution of Indigenous people on the Gold Coast. The project aligns the development of Indigenous tourism with objectives under the National Long Term Tourism Strategy, will add to the quality and diversity of tourism experiences on the Gold Coast and will support Indigenous employment and businesses. | $110,000 | |
| Undaval | Purchase and installation of four Pioneers Huts at Undara Experience located in the Gulf Savannah region of Tropical North Queensland. These huts will increase the capacity of Undara Experience and will also help tour operators and retailers to meet the demand for outback style accommodation. | $110,000 | |
| Nuriootpa Vine Inn Hotel Motel | Refurbishment of 18 rooms at the community owned Vine Inn (Vine Court Barossa). A direct outcome will be development of improved corporate packages and local experiential tours in conjunction with other local attraction providers e.g. wineries & sporting events. | $110,000 | |
| Gemtree Vineyards | Construction of an environmentally sustainable cellar door facility at Gemtree Vineyard, McLaren Flat. The Cellar Door will blend with Gemtree Vineyards’s Biodynamic farming program and existing Wetlands Walking Eco Trail and will be the first of its type in the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu region of South Australia. This project will not only add a new visitor experience to the wine region but also allow for the education of sustainable building practices. | $110,000 | |
| Auora Ozone Hotel | Refurbishment of 12 hotel rooms on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. This project will help meet the strong demand for 4 star accommodation on the island. | $110,000 | |
| Port Lincoln Fresh Fish Company | Upgrade and extension at Port Lincoln Fresh Fish Company on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. This project will deliver improve the seafood experience on offer and will provide a greater capacity to showcase a wider range of product. The new space will double the visitor capacity and will cater for tour greetings and tastings, cooking demonstrations and seafood cooking classes. | $110,000 | |
| Sticky Rice Cooking School | Design and construction of three self contained Asian villas at the Sticky Rice Cooking School in the Adelaide Hills. The accommodation will allow for food and accommodation packages and will provide a unique accommodation option for the region. | $110,000 | |
| The Wicked Cheese Company | Construction of a cheesery and local produce tasting house in historic Richmond in the surrounding Hobart region. The facility will comprise of maturing and making/demonstration rooms, a tasting area for cheese and other local produce, an interpretative display and an area for visitors to enjoy light meals. The project will complement the existing Coal Valley wine trail adding a new and unique visitor experience for the region. | $110,000 | |
| Bretos Project Management | Installation of an architecturally-designed Omnipod atop a 9-story office building in the centre of Hobart. This unique accommodation concept will be known as Avalon City Retreat and will be the ultimate in sustainable accommodation. This project will also be a prototype for environmentally friendly, sustainable and portable accommodation that tourism operators from around Australia can view and adapt to their own tourism environments. | $110,000 | |
| Anvers Confectionery | Construction of a multi-purpose conservatory at the House of Anvers in North West Tasmania. The House of Anvers offers a total chocolate experience and this project will enable more visitors to enjoy this experience and also new experiences. This project aims to increase the length of visitor stays in the region. | $110,000 | |
| Westminster 1257 Pty. . | Addition of four architecturally designed and accessible studios on Tasmania’s Bruny Island. This project will also include an accessible interpretational boardwalk and wildlife viewing platform. This project will help to meet the demand for quality accommodation on the island but also offers accessible accommodation and activities. | $110,000 | |
| Stefano Lubiana Wines | Development of interpretative displays and activities at Stefano Lubiana Wines, Derwent Valley, Tasmania. This project will highlight the site’s biodynamic credentials and will complement the development of a purpose-built tasting and dining facility that will demonstrate sustainable production methods. This project will also allow for local strategic partnerships in the are of ‘clean and green’ experiences. | $110,000 | |
| Velo Wines | Construction of a restaurant and redevelopment of the cellar door area at Velo Wines in Tasmania’s Launceston and Tamar Valley region. This project provides the opportunity to showcase local produce in an ambient setting and will improve the visitor experience at the winery. | $110,000 | |
| Phillip Island Chocolate Experience | Extension and installation of custom designed exhibits at Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate on Philip Island in Victoria. This project will cater for increasing demand at the attraction particularly from international visitors, and enables the expansion of the tourism experience offered. | $110,000 | |
| Bendigo’s Park Lane Holiday Park | Construction of an Indoor Children’s & Youth Activity Centre at the Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park. The project will focus on increasing occupancy in the peak times shoulder periods with an all weather indoor play centre that drives attraction based growth within the industry. | $110,000 | |
| Leora | Construction of walking trails, board walks and viewing platforms to complement and protect remnant forest along with existing and proposed wetlands within the Wild Dog Winery in Victoria’s Gippsland region. The project will provide a nature-based activity for visitors that will add another dimension to the activities on offer at the winery and in the region. | $110,000 | |
| Ballarat Wildlife and Reptile Park | Construction of the Crocodile Billabong Experience and Conservation Centre in Ballarat. The Centre will house large freshwater crocodiles and allow educational and information sessions to be held at the Ballarat Wildlife and Reptile Park in the Goldfields region of Victoria. This project will provide an educational resource, and creating a new tourist opportunity in the region. | $110,000 | |
| Universal Logic | Construction of a hospitality space at Bright Brewery in Victoria’s High Country. This project will provide much needed space to cater for the growth in numbers of tourists visiting the brewery and will establish the brewery as an all weather attraction for Bright. In addition, the project will see the expansion of Bright Brewery’s existing edu-tourism experiences. | $110,000 | |
| Spring Spur | Construction of a lounge and accommodation facility at Bogong Horseback Adventures’ Spring Spur Stables in Victoria’s High Country. This project will open the horseback experience to new markets and will help to grow the business and in turn, the regions tourism industry | $110,000 | |
| Ferngrove Vineyards | Provide heritage interpretation and innovative technology to the Ferngrove’s Killerby cellar door. This project will add to the microbrewery-restaurant complex enhancing the visitor experience to this region | $110,000 | |
| Shire of Leonora | Restoration of a boarding house and development of visitor facilities in the historic mining and ghost town of Gwalia in Western Australia’s Golden Outback region. This project enables the final restoration of the Mrs Patroni’s Boarding House, which is an integral part of the township, and will also see the development of an information hub alongside the house as a starting point for tours of the area. | $110,000 | |
| Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association | Renovation of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Western Australia’s South West region. The project will complete the internal works for Cottage Two at the lighthouse and will work to showcase the diverse heritage and cultural values of the site. The further development of tourism facilities at the lighthouse will help to cater to and attract more visitors. | $110,000 | |
| Pet Porpoise Pool | Production of a ‘Conceptual Development Approval’ of the Pet Porpoise Pool ‘Master Plan’, Coffs Harbour. The project will enable the multi award winning park to increase visitation to the park and the region, ultimately creating more jobs through direct and indirect employment, increasing the economic value in our region’s economy. | $108,640 | |
| Kroombit Park | Installation of an eco-friendly waste management system at Kroombit Park – Lochenbar Station, Biloela. The project will accommodate the current and future needs of the tourist park and ensure the pristine condition of the adjacent National Park. | $107,410 | |
| Oz Ski Resort | Construction of infrastructure for a water ski attraction at Oz Ski Resort, Coolum Quanda Park Water Resource. The facility will provide a new, innovative sport and recreation tourist destination, which will attract more visitors to the Sunshine Coast, and can host state, national and international water ski competitions. | $107,291 | |
| Simon Currant & Associates | Construction of an Education/interpretation Centre within Sleeping Water Lodge at Lake St Clair in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park. The Sleeping Water Lodge Education/Interpretation Centre will strengthen Tasmania’s offering of wilderness experiences and open it up to new markets of high end Education Tourism. | $100,950 | |
| Curtin Raiser | Installation of infrastructure for camping facilities on the bank of the Darling River at Wilcannia. This project is Stage 1 of the “Warrawong on the Darling” tourism venture. This project will provide facilities to encourage large numbers of tourists currently travelling through Wilcannia to stay overnight in the area. | $100,000 | |
| Fishabout Tours | Development of a recreational fishing handbook, web and phone app for operators, with translation into five languages as part of the development of the Fishabout Australia network. A web and mobile phone application will also be developed as part of the project. This project will deliver innovative, improved fishing products that will increase the availability and depth of information about current offerings and is aimed at enhancing Australia’s reputation as a fishing destination. | $100,000 | |
| The City of Newcastle | Development of interactive multi media applications and sites revealing the evolving essence of the City of Newcastle. The project will combine the audio-visual experience with a regular loop walk linking the City Centre with other tourist sites. | $100,000 | |
| World Expeditions | Creation of semi-permanent campsites at 3 select locations along the Larapinta Trail. Funding will also support engagement of the traditional owners and development of economic opportunities for indigenous people. Funding will also provide for innovative design and construction, ensuring low-impact tourism as well as maximising the amenity and attraction to the global trekking market. | $100,000 | |
| Toowoomba and Golden West Regional Tourist Association | Implementation of an agritourism business development program in the South East Queensland Country (SEQC) region, encompassing South Burnett, Toowoomba and Southern Downs/Granite Belt. This project will allow new agritourism experiences to emerge and help expose the regions strengths – food, wine and country to visitors and locals alike. | $100,000 | |
| Taming the Dragon | Addition of a white lion exhibit and entry area at Mansfield Zoo in Victoria’s High Country region. This project will give Victoria its first white lions and add more hands on experiences to the zoo’s offering. | $100,000 | |
| Melbourne Underwater World | Construction and fit out of a shipwreck exhibit at Melbourne Aquarium. Using the latest technology and conservation practices, the project will separate the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium into two different areas, allowing the opportunity to exhibit new and varied animals not ever seen before in Australian aquaria. This will strengthen the Aquarium’s tourism offering, and in turn, Melbourne’s tourism offering. | $100,000 | |
| North East Victoria Tourism Inc. | Construction of visitor infrastructure and camping facilities along the Bogong Alpine Way at the Falls-Hotham Alpine Crossing in the Australian Alps National Landscape area. This project provides key visitor facilities for the Bogong Cluster. | $100,000 | |
| Magheragall Nominees | Upgrades to the Lavers Hill Roadhouse and Caravan Park. The project will be the first step to creating an integrated hub servicing the regional and tourism needs including the development of the Tavern to provide a local food and beverage experience. | $100,000 | |
| Milawa Cheese Company | Construction of a culinary classroom for artisan baking, cheese making and specialist cooking classes at the Milawa Cheese Factory Bakery Restaurant complex. This project will help to showcase local produce to visitors and will also allow for an increase in production of artisanal sour dough bread. This increased production allows for the development of local labour and skills and will create additional jobs in the bakery, tourism and regional transport sectors. | $100,000 | |
| Evedon Park Bush Resort | Construction of a new retail facility and upgrade of the restaurant and reception area at Evedon Park Bush Resort in Western Australia’s South West region. The project will raise the level of quality of the resort and will help to attract new visitors, which will support other local businesses in the Ferguson Valley region. | $100,000 | |
| Metalic Investment | Purchase and installation of ensuite bedrooms and a shared kitchen at the Midland Caravan Park at Swan. This project will provide an example of the latest principles of environmental sustainability and 7 star energy efficiency rating while providing high quality budget accommodation for tourists visiting the City of Swan attending local events, attractions and sightseeing. | $100,000 | |
| Indian Ocean Rock Lobster | Redevelopment of the foreshore of the rock lobster processing factory in Cervantes in Western Australia’s Coral Coast region. This project will deliver an iconic waterfront seafood restaurant under the “Lobster Shack” brand that showcase Western Australia’s world famous Rock Lobster and other specialty produce from the region. | $100,000 | |
| Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre | Feasibility study on the translation of cultural elements from the Yugambeh Aboriginal language region of south east Queensland (Gold Coast, Logan, Scenic Rim) into new tourism products. The project has a number of outcomes including developing cultural competency and education services for tourism operators, interaction with the Yugambeh Aboriginal Exhibition & Training Centre at Beenleigh (opening June 2011) and create a resource titled Aboriginal Tourism Action Strategy for the Yugambeh Region. | $88,000 | |
| Bathurst Goldfields | Development of meeting and conference facilities at Bathurst Goldfields educational facility. Through securing increased visitation and offering new meeting and conferencing facilities this initiative will bring much needed economic and employment outcomes whilst attracting new domestic and international markets. | $85,000 | |
| Scott Canty & Sons | Construction of key facilities (kiosk and amenities block) for the proposed Multi Sport Park in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region. This recreational park will cater for dirt bikes, mountain bikes and 4×4 vehicles, and will also offer camping facilities. This project enables the recreational park to service visitors to the attraction. | $85,000 | |
| Hay Shire Council | Construction of artwork, sculptures and interpretive panels at the Bidgee Riverside Cultural Trail, Hay. The project supports regional themes associated with The Long Paddock Touring Route and Riverina Regional Tourism’s Murrumbidgee Access Trail. | $82,500 | |
| Shire of Gnowangerup | Construction of a Travel Stop for short stay accommodation in Gnowangerup. The project will become a central hub location for the hidden Treasures Drive Trail and allow travellers to stay in Gnowangerup and travel out into the Hidden Treasures for day trips. | $73,150 | |
| A Maze’N Things | Completion of a feasibility study, strategic plan and scoping study for the proposed Heritage Brew House and Traditional Cheese Factory on Victoria’s Phillip Island. The project will also involve the development of architectural, building and landscaping plans and will work to establish the viability of the proposal. The proposed project would be a major addition to the tourism landscape of the island and this project helps to make it a reality. | $71,500 | |
| Wirraway Homestead | Construction of an accommodation and training centre for 20 Outdoor Recreation students at Wirraway Homestead on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Wirraway provides on the job training for students as instructors/guides in horse riding, climbing, archery, and ropes courses. This project improves Wirraway’s training capability and importantly will allow for students to stay onsite. | $66,350 | |
| Harbourside Helicopters | Feasibility study to investigate the implementation of scenic helicopter tours to regional NSW from Sydney’s CBD. It is envisaged the project will deliver new experiences to high-yielding visitors wishing to visit regional New South Wales including the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Bowral, Bathurst, and Dubbo. | $65,400 | |
| d’Arenberg | Development of interactive displays at d’Arenberg in South Australia’s Barossa region. Through this interface, visitors will be able to have a simulated tasting with a winemaker and also a wine blending experience. | $62,486 | |
| Livingstone Family Trust | Construction of a kitchen and new tasting area at Harcourt Valley Vineyards. This infrastructure will also allow catering for functions, weddings and events. A kitchen focusing on regional foods will encourage people to come to our region as currently there is a lack of such infrastructure in the local area | $62,072 | |
| The Maze | Feasibility study into the commercial viability of ‘Outback Splash’ at The Maze Family Fun Park. This project will benefit the tourism community in our region by providing other local operators with reliable data on visitor numbers, trends, and habits within our region and in the event that the proposed water park becomes a reality, our region will receive all the on flow benefits associated with a major tourism drawcard. We believe that has the potential to become one of Western Australia’s flagship attractions and an icon in Western Australian Tourism. | $61,750 | |
| Fraser Coast Regional Council | Development of a smart phone application and physical interpretive signage on The “Fraser Coast Discovery Trails” project. The project will support and encourage regional tourism industry growth by providing a leading solution and consumer product that maximises online marketing and distribution investment. | $60,000 | |
| Bungaree Station | Development of an interactive trail around Bungaree Station’s historic complex in South Australia’s Clare Valley region. This project will add to the variety of tourism product available for international visitors through to school groups in the area. | $60,000 | |
| National Trust of Australia (Victoria) | Development of an interpretation plan and repairs to wiring and lighting in preparation for new displays at the Old Melbourne Gaol. This project aims to re-interpret the site to provide an exciting and engaging heritage experience that explored the severity of imprisonment and punishment regimes in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This project is an important step in revitalising this Melbourne attraction. | $60,000 | |
| Leknarf | Construction of Infrastructure at the Fraser Coast Tourist Park including swimming pool and slide for children, shade structure, landscaping and the installation of a covered children’s playground. Amenities blocks and the laundry will also be refurbished to reflect the raised standard of facilities. | $59,932 | |
| Geographe Bay Tourism Association | Replacement of light and sound facilities with state-of-the-art LED lamps and audio capabilities in the Ngilgi Cave in Western Australia’s South West region. This project will work to minimise environmental impacts on the fragile karst system and will also reduce the growth of Lampenflora (algal) in the cave. T | $58,000 | |
| Sapphire Coast Tourism | Development of heritage information, interactive web page, maps, interpretive displays and signage to promote heritage experiences on the Sapphire Coast. The project will familiarise the community on how to use and update the heritage material and stories through social media tools and demonstrate how they can be used to deliver heritage stories to the visitor. | $50,000 | |
| RiverSmart Australia | Development of a master plan for a Wetland Education and Cultural Centre (WECC) in the Macquarie Marshes. The development of a Master Plan will involve significant community consultation and will deliver ecological, built, educational, tourism and financial details for a WECC. It is envisaged the WECC will provide positive impacts to regional visitation, employment and economic bottom lines. | $50,000 | |
| Coonamble Shire Council | Production of technical, design and planning documents for the Coonamble Eco Spa and Caravan Park project. The project will bring the Eco Spa to the point of being ‘investor ready’. There is potential for the Eco Spa to attract day trips from people visiting the surrounding region, particularly the Warrumbungle National Park and Lightning Ridge, adding to the regional offering and contributing to longer stays. | $50,000 | |
| Katherine Town Council | Design and construction of new exhibits at Katherine Museum. These important historical stories will enhance visitors understanding of Northern Australia, encourage them to stay longer and to explore the regions more remote areas. | $50,000 | |
| Grevon as Trustee for Culell Family Trust | Construction of a giraffe/zebra complex and feeding area at Halls Gap Zoo in Victoria’s Central Highlands region. The feeding area will allow visitor to have a close encounter with the giraffes and the project will add a high yield activity to the region’s tourism offering. | $48,600 | |
| RJ&BD Watson | Renovation of the Ferneaux Tavern on Flinders Island. The project will provide opportunities to view the surrounding picturesque islands of the Furneaux Group and aims to improve the quality of offering for visitors to the island. | $47,350 | |
| Katoomba Scenic Railway | Engagement of an art and sculpture industry installation team for ‘Sculpture At Scenic World’ in the Blue Mountains. ‘Sculpture At Scenic World’ will attract new visitors, encourage extended stays and re-visitation to the region. Sculpture at Scenic World is also designed to enhance relationships between the community and local government. | $46,800 | |
| Honeycomb Valley | Installation of a tasting centre, bee hives, plants and landscaping at The Australian Native Bee Sanctuary & Honey Tasting Bar at Honeycomb Valley Farm. This initiative will deliver benefits including social, environmental, expanded employment opportunities, increased investment within the regional economy and the creation of Australia’s first native bee sanctuary. | $46,000 | |
| Middle Creek Vineyard | Construction of a combined tasting room and gallery at Pyren Vineyard, Warrenmang. As well as showcasing Pyren Vineyard’s locally made wines, the venue will provide a forum for exhibiting the work of contemporary artists, with a focus on those from the region. The project will compliment and broaden the touring experience for visitors to the immediate local area, which is currently predominantly to tasting rooms. | $45,736 | |
| Clarence Valley Council | Consulting services to develop skills and capacity building at Clarence BOOST. Clarence BOOST is boot camp for our tourism community – operators, stakeholders, agencies and residents. The project aims to help the Clarence tourism community to play its part in building a sustainable regional tourism future. | $44,000 | |
| Coffs Harbour City Council | Development of a plan to submit a Development Application for the Café and interpretative centre at The Bruxner Park / Ulidarra Ecotourism project. The plan will propose a number of natural and cultural infrastructure initiatives (proposed walking / cycle trails, interpretive centre and café, lookout upgrades, viewing platform, picnic areas and interpretive signage. | $44,000 | |
| Alice Dreaming | Construction of a cultural venue in Alice Springs .The project will provide a cultural activity venue; provide a venue for wildlife displays and interaction; develop a venue for local indigenous musicians; encourage private investment; improve the quality of the backpacker hostel, and; provides a new night time experience for all backpackers in Alice Springs. | $43,491 | |
| Cartoscope | Development, publication and distribution of a free geo-tourism map of NSW, locating and describing significant geological sites throughout the state. An associated website, geomaps.com.au, will carry additional information on these geological sites. The map will encourage visitation and exploration of regional areas all over NSW from a high yield low impact market. | $42,574 | |
| Skyrail | Business and marketing feasibility study for the establishment of the historic Barron Gorge tramway The indigenous involvement in the project in operation and interpretation and as a potential joint venture partner provides an opportunity for enhanced indigenous involvement in a successful tourism venture. | $41,000 | |
| Hot Shots Paintball Skirmish | Construction of 3 paintball playing fields at Hot Shots Paintball Skirmish in Victoria’s Geelong region. This project will create new game features and an immersive entertainment experience of an international standard that will help the region to attract visitors. | $40,150 | |
| James Cook University | Provision of a research officer, consultation and workshops regarding swim-with-dwarf minke whales tourism industry in Far North Queensland. The feasibility of additional value-adding regional attractions (e.g. a minke whale festival) will be evaluated to enhance regional economic benefits of this internationally significant wildlife tourism experience | $40,000 | |
| Lady Elliot Island | Trail construction, infrastructure and development of facts sheets at Lady Elliot Island Exploration HQ and Adventure Trail Project. It will assist in promoting LEI and the GBR as a ‘must see’ destination to the domestic and global markets and attract the increasing green, nature, eco and special interest traveller. It will also increase tourism in regional areas that connect to LEI. | $39,700 | |
| Lismore City Council | Feasibility study, planning and costings for Stage 1 of the Nimbin Walking Track Scoping Plan. The Nimbin Walking Track is a 4 stage tourist experience planned in the village of Nimbin and its immediate surrounds. It is envisaged this project will deliver to the Northern Rivers Tourism Industry a highly marketable product, with opportunities for education and skills development, increased visitor spend and a stimulation of private tourism investment. | $39,500 | |
| Te Arani | Completion of a feasibility study to test new customised, translated, self guided audio tours that are delivered digitally to visitors from a database. The content will be provided in English and also in other languages which will cater to the emerging markets such as China. | $37,518 | |
| Langmeil | Refurbishment of a pioneer ironstone cottage at the Langmeil Winery, based around the 1843 pioneering village of Langmeil. This project will provide unique accommodation option within this carefully restored village which will benefit the wider region. | $36,000 | |
| Mount Majura Wines (ACT) | Landscape and plant a ‘Terroir Gardens’ complementing the Cellar Door where wines of terroir (expressing the unique features of the vineyard site) are tasted. The Gardens will be marketed as a new visitor experience, complementing not only the Cellar Door but also other garden attractions in Canberra such as Australian National Botanic Gardens, Floriade and the National Arboretum. | $35,000 | |
| Tranquilles Bed and Breakfast, Café and Gallery | Expansion of the kitchen facilities and offering at Tranquilles Bed and Breakfast in Tasmania’s North West region. This project will enable cooking classes run by local chefs and culinary weekends to be offered to visitors. It will also engage visitors with the fresh produce available in the region. | $35,000 | |
| Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development | Feasibility study to considering possible links between the local food production area and tourism in Rockhampton. The project will deliver a comprehensive report that will be made available online on the options for sustainable local food supply and the economic benefits of local fresh food tourism and associated events. | $33,960 | |
| Discovery Centre | Provision of audio visual guide units in multiple languages at the Daintree Discovery Centre, Cow Bay. The project increase the number of units to cater for a wider range of visitor interests and will enrich the visitor experience by allowing DDC to offer guided tours in Chinese, introduce an Aboriginal tour, develop an interactive children’s cassowary conservation audio tour. | $30,500 | |
| Walhalla Board of Management Incorporated | Construction of outdoor facilities and displays at the historic Walhalla Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla in Victoria. This project will provide undercover seating and accessible bathroom facilities together with refurbishment and additional display modules, static mine displays and AV concepts for the visitors to one of two remaining accessible Gold Mines open for Tourism within Victoria. | $30,140 | |
| Sydney Theatre Company | Scope and plan for the development and refurbishment of the Sydney Theatre Company bar at The Wharf, Sydney. With its unique position on Sydney harbour, it is envisaged the new theatre bar will be a unique space for theatre patrons to mix before and after performances and will stage live music, play and poetry readings etc. for the benefit of the local community and visitors. | $29,000 | |
| Australia Nature Tours | Development of Voluntourism Opportunities in Tropical North Queensland. The project will support tourism, community and conservation collaboration to deliver economic growth through TNQ. Voluntourism will increase the number of domestic and international visitors to TNQ, extend their stay and spend in the region, while supporting positive environmental and conservation outcomes. | $27,500 | |
| Seppeltsfield Wines | Development of a Tourism Master Plan for Seppeltsfield Estate in South Australia’s Barossa region. This plan aims to provide key information and data to facilitate sound investment in tourism and hospitality economic development opportunities at Seppeltsfield Estate. | $27,500 | |
| Townsville City Council | Development of The Nelly Bay Harbour Gateway Precinct Master Plan. This Master Plan will guide the establishment of new tourism enterprises and sustainability attractions on the world heritage listed Magnetic Island, thereby strengthening visitor appeal and activity levels on this significant north Queensland tourist destinations. | $25,000 | |
| Shire of Coorow | Development of a Tourism Development Plan and delivery of a community survey and workshop for the Wildflower Country, Western Australia. The key aspect of the project is the five year tourism development plan which will identify methods for the consortium to develop the Wildflower Country tourism routes to link regional destinations and support industry growth and prosperity. | $22,350 | |
| Cumnock & District Progress Association | Construction of 4 large “Animals on Bikes” village sculptures at the “Paddock Art” sculpture tourist trail from Molong-Cumnock-Yeoval-Dubbo. This unique creative project will capture any travellers’ imagination, promote local tourist operators, showcase rural creativity and encapsulate the spirit of regional NSW. | $20,500 | |
| Wellington Council | Install an interactive LED system to replace the current incandescent system at the Cathedral Cave at Wellington. This project will improve the experience of visitors while limiting the environmental impacts caused by lighting the cave chambers. | $20,000 | |
| Cessnock City Council | Production of a GPS multi-media application for use on The Great North Road, Cessnock. It will integrate an original script, period music and special effects to evoke the period in which the road the person is driving over was built between 1826 and 1836 | $20,000 | |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council | Feasibility study identifying ecotourism opportunities in (northern) Wollemi National Park area. The project will identify opportunities for hikers, day trippers, small tour groups, education and Indigenous tourism. The study will explore interpretation, signage, access and managing potential tourism impacts. | $20,000 | |
| Taylor Industries | Construction of a purpose built observatory to support the ‘Gems by Day, Jewels by Night’ at the Gemfields, Central Queensland. Combining the existing attractions of the Sapphire Gemfields with a night time product will result in a more diverse experience for tourists. This project aims to increase visitor yield and length of stay to the Sapphire Gemfields and Central Queensland regions. | $20,000 | |
| Koorie Heritage Trust Incl. | Upgrade of information booths to state of the art equipment at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre in Melbourne. It holds an extensive collection of Aboriginal artefacts and artwork and this project will provide a much needed refurbishment for the displays. | $20,000 | |
| Parkes Shire Council | Feasibility Study to define a plan for future development of the Henry Parkes Centre, Parkes. The study will analyse demand for an interactive, mining interpretive centre and recommendations to develop the Henry Parkes Centre beyond its current capacity for the future. | $18,500 | |
| Lake Mountain Alpine Resort | A feasibility study and design framework for a proposed Lake Mountain to Marysville mountain bike trail and a complimentary trail network at Lake Mountain in southern Victoria. This project will examine the issue around building more quality Mountain biking trails attracting hundreds of riders to the Marysville Triangle area which is recovering following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. | $18,491 | |
| City of Wodonga | Develop a business strategy for the Bonegilla Migrant Experience heritage and cultural tourism site. This project will to further extend the visitor experience as a viable education, recreation and tourist attraction to give the site long term security and independence to this important site. | $17,600 | |
| Djabugay Native Title Aboriginal Corporation | The project will establish walking tracks and a small indigenous village in a rainforest area adjacent to Skyrail Cableway that is part of the Traditional Lands of the Djabugay People. The visitor will experience unique insight of how Djabugay People lived and used the rainforest. When established, Djabugay will train tour guides and operate a 30 minutes rainforest tours that can be accessed through Skyrail and will be sold as an optional activity to the Skyrail visitors. | $17,500 | |
| Kamilaroi Highway Group | Feasibility study to identify and evaluate opportunities for the development of Aboriginal and Nature-based products, experiences and businesses along the Kamilaroi Highway. The Kamilaroi Highway Group aim is to diversify and strengthen the tourism product and experiences along the Kamilaroi Highway touring route. | $16,500 | |
| Karumba Progress Association | Feasibility study on development of future wet or ‘green’ season tourism in Karumba and adjacent areas of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The project will provide information and a ‘road map’ to address issues and establish a sound basis for new and expanded tourism initiatives particularly transport, land/air/water based tours, experiences and activities. | $16,500 | |
| The Australian Sugar Industry Museum Incorporated | Construction of an interpretative centre inside the Australian Sugar Industry Museum at Mourilyan, Cassowary Coast Area of Queensland. This project will allow the establishment of a interpretative centre that will provide information about the growing of sugar cane and the processes to manufacture crystal sugar allowing visitors to develop an understanding of one of the agricultural industries that dominates the landscape in Queensland | $16,500 | |
| WAITOC Association Inc. | Feasibility Study into the design and establishment of an Indigenous Tourism Accreditation module for potential implementation within the National Tourism Accreditation Framework (NTAF). Options will be presented with an outcome to recommend the design, establishment and implementation of a new indigenous tourism accreditation module/program, or update a current program to address identified stakeholder needs. | $16,500 | |
| WAITOC Association Inc. | Feasibility study of demand for Indigenous cultural experiences and product by the Perth tourism industry and future connection between the owners of Aboriginal experiences and products with the Perth region tourism industry. | $16,500 | |
| City of Cockburn | Feasibility study to consider the need and viability for an Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre in Cockburn, Western Australia. This project will also consult with stakeholders regarding a preferred site and viable operational models and list of requirements for a proposed facility that if build would bring the rich and unique Aboriginal stories and sites to the visitors to this region. | $15,000 | |
|
Total |
$8,473,891 |
FAQ
What kind of projects will be funded?
TQUAL Grants support projects which deliver high quality tourism products and services to meet the needs of domestic and international visitors. Examples of projects that have been successful in previous grants rounds can be found at www.ret.gov.au/tqual. This does not mean that only these types of projects will be successful in future rounds.
Will all TQUAL applications be funded?
No. The program is highly competitive and attracts a large number of applicants – to be successful projects need to ‘stand out from the crowd’.
TQUAL applications must satisfy the eligibility criteria as outlined in the Program Guidelines for 2013 and must rate highly against the four assessment criteria. To have the maximum chance of success, applicants must fully address all questions in the TQUAL application form.
Is this round of TQUAL Grants different to the round held in 2012?
The 2013 TQUAL Grants round is broadly similar to the 2012 round. There have been some changes, most notably, the assessment criteria have been reduced from six to four. There is also a new provision for some expenditure of TQUAL Grant funding on non-fixed technology items that are integral to the project, e.g., tablet devices to provide information to tourists undertaking a self-guided tour.
Will there be a TQUAL Grants funding round in 2014?
No. The Australian Government allocated funding for TQUAL Grants over a four year period, with 2013 being the final funding round. There are other grants available from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (the Department), most notably, Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants. A second TIRF Grants funding round is expected to be held later in 2013. Further information about TIRF Grants is available at www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants.
What are the differences between TQUAL Grants and TIRF Grants?
These are two separate grant programs. The eligibility and assessment criteria are different for each program and each has its own Guidelines and TQUAL application form. The funding rounds for TQUAL Grants and TIRF Grants are held at different times. TIRF Grants offer funding from $50,000 to $250,000 (excluding GST) to increase the quality and range of visitor experiences in regional Australia.
Is TQUAL Accreditation a requirement for funding under TQUAL Grants?
TQUAL Accreditation is the preferred way for applicants to demonstrate their commitment to quality and is an easy way to support their response to the first assessment criteria ‘Alignment with industry priorities and strategies, including a demonstrated commitment to quality’, however it is not a requirement.
If an applicant does not have TQUAL Accreditation, it will need to document other ways that it demonstrates commitment to quality. This may include:
- evidence of industry awards and commendations
- plans for continuous quality improvement, including a commitment to accreditation principles or programs
- how the project will meet any relevant national or international standards or benchmarks.
Businesses cannot directly apply for TQUAL Accreditation. Applicants are TQUAL Accredited if they are accredited through a TQUAL endorsed quality assurance scheme. A full list of accredited programs is on the Department’s website at http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tq/tqual-accred/schemes/Pages/TQUALqualityassurance.aspx
Where appropriate, successful applicants will be expected to seek or maintain TQUAL Accreditation during the life of the project, with this requirement included in the Funding Agreement. Further information on TQUAL Accreditation is available at www.ret.gov.au/tqual.
Can I apply for the 2013 TQUAL Grants round if I have received funding in a previous round?
Yes. As the Program Guidelines have been updated for the 2013 round, please review the eligibility and project requirements.
I applied for a TIRF Grant but was ineligible/unsuccessful. Can I still apply for a TQUAL Grant?
Yes. However, please note there are a number of differences between the programs including, but not limited to, the eligibility and assessment criteria and the amount of funding available (refer to 1.6 above for further information). Please ensure you closely consider the assessment criteria and Program Guidelines before beginning an TQUAL application to determine if your project is eligible and likely to rate highly against the assessment criteria.
I applied for a TIRF Grant but was unsuccessful/ineligible. Can I use the same TQUAL application for TQUAL Grants?
No. You must use the 2013 TQUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects TQUAL application Form to apply for a TQUAL Grant (refer to 1.6 for further information). TQUAL application forms are available at www.ret.gov.au/tqual.
Can I get funding for one component of a larger project?
Yes. It may be useful to outline the larger project in the Project Description (Section 2.1) of the TQUAL application Form. For all other criteria the proposal should focus on the component of the larger project for which funding is being sought.
Can I submit more than one TQUAL application for funding?
Yes, provided the TQUAL applications are for different projects. It is recommended that an applicant focus on submitting one high quality TQUAL application. Remember that only high quality projects and TQUAL applications will be successful.
If I submit more than one TQUAL application, do I have to divide the $100,000 between the TQUAL applications?
No. There is a maximum of $100,000 (excluding GST) of TQUAL Grants funding per project. You must also have matching cash for each project for which you are seeking a TQUAL Grant.
When do projects need to be completed?
Project works funded under the 2013 TQUAL Grants round should be completed by 31 March 2015 to allow time to process final payments before the end of the 2014-15 financial year. Grants cannot be ‘rolled over’ to the following financial year.
Is the TQUAL Grants program limited to regional tourism projects or can metropolitan-based organisations also apply?
Projects may be located in any part of Australia. This includes Australia’s self-governing and non-self-governing territories.
Can a group of entities apply for a TQUAL Grant?
Yes. A consortium of corporate entities (led by any of the eligible entity types listed above) may apply for a TQUAL Grant. A consortium is a group of organisations and individuals that agree to work together towards a common goal – such as carrying out a project. A consortium can include Australian, state or territory government agencies.
The TQUAL application must be submitted by one of the consortium members (called the ‘lead applicant’).
The lead applicant:
- must meet the eligibility requirements in its own right,
- will execute a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth if the proposal is successful,
- is responsible for managing the legal relationship between the consortium members.
The person completing and submitting the TQUAL application form does this on behalf of the lead applicant. They must have the authority to take this action on the lead applicant’s behalf.
Can I get funding for my project if I am not an eligible business entity to apply for TQUAL Grants?
Your organisation may be able to participate in a consortium where the lead applicant meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to submit the TQUAL application and enter into a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth if successful.
If I have an established business in an industry other than tourism, can I still apply for TQUAL Grants?
Yes, provided you meet the applicant and project eligibility requirements, the project benefits the Australian tourism industry and meets the TQUAL Grants program objectives.
Why are promotion and marketing ineligible activities?
The Australian Government significantly supports tourism marketing and promotion through its funding of Tourism Australia to undertake marketing, advertising and promotion activities. Also, state and territory tourism organisations also play an important role in generating demand. In contrast, TQUAL Grants focuses on supporting the supply of quality tourism products and services to meet the needs of domestic and international visitors.
Is signage considered a marketing (and therefore ineligible) activity?
This depends on the purpose of the signage. Public signage activities are eligible to be funded under this program if they are for directional/information/interpretive purposes. Applicants should ensure that they consult all relevant agencies regarding the signage as they may be subject to government/council regulations.
Is website development an eligible activity?
This depends on the purpose of the website. If the purpose of the website is marketing, advertising or product promotion, the activity is not eligible. However, development/upgrading of websites as an integral part of the tourism product or experience may be eligible, e.g. developing an online booking system.
Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to pay for the costs of gaining relevant Council and other approvals?
Yes, provided the activity is undertaken after the Funding Agreement between the Commonwealth and the applicant is executed.
Can I use the TQUAL Grant funds or my matching cash to buy capital equipment?
As a general rule, any item of equipment that can be easily removed from the project and used for other purposes is considered not eligible. For example motor vehicles, furniture and computers are easily removed and reused. Equipment that is fixed in place would generally be eligible (for example a kitchen fit-out). Note that where it is integral to the project, limited expenditure on non-fixed technology items can be included in your TQUAL application for grant funding (refer to Section 6 of the Program Guidelines).
Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to engage or pay permanent employees?
No, unless you can demonstrate that the work being undertaken by the employee is critical to the project and is in addition to the core business activities of the organisation.
What is ‘matching cash’?
Applicants must provide their own funds to match the value of the grant funding being sought. Matching cash may be contributed from various sources, including the applicant’s own funds, a bank or other loan or contributions from project partners.
Can state or territory governments be a source for matching cash?
Yes. Should a state/territory government agree to commit funding to your project, this would be an eligible source of matching cash.
At what point does the dollar-for-dollar funding need to be matched and how is this managed and verified?
You will need to provide evidence of the matching cash commitment with your TQUAL application. This will include a Letter of Commitment from you, and for example, a letter of commitment from a bank, sponsor etc. If your TQUAL application is successful, you will need to provide evidence that the matching cash is available at the start of the project, for example a letter from your bank.
Can I email my TQUAL application form?
No, TQUAL applications must be lodged in hard copy. Refer to page 1 of the TQUAL application form for instructions on lodgement requirements.
When do grant TQUAL applications close?
TQUAL applications must be received by post or courier by 5.00pm (Canberra time) on Friday 3 May 2013. TQUAL applications that have been postmarked before 5.00pm (Canberra time) on the closing date will be accepted.
Late TQUAL applications will not be considered except under extreme circumstances outside the control of the applicant, such as a natural disaster. If your TQUAL application is going to be late due to such circumstances, please notify us in writing prior to the closing date by emailing tqualgrants@ret.gov.au.
What do I do if my TQUAL application or project details change before a decision is made on which TQUAL applications will receive funding?
You should notify any change in your TQUAL application details by emailing tqualgrants@ret.gov.au. Please quote the reference number you will receive at receipt of your TQUAL application in this correspondence.
Should I include quotes for items in the budget section of the TQUAL application Form?
Including quotes for the items in your budget is not mandatory, but it does enable you to demonstrate that you are providing a realistic and accurate budget. Quotes should be provided as Attachment F in the TQUAL application Form.
How will my TQUAL application be assessed?
TQUAL applications will have an initial check for completeness and eligibility, with ineligible and incomplete TQUAL applications removed from the assessment process.
Eligible TQUAL applications will be then assessed on how well they address the four Assessment Criteria set out in the Program Guidelines for 2013. These are:
- Alignment with industry priorities and strategies, including a demonstrated commitment to quality
- Capacity to deliver the project
- Demonstrated need for the project and evidence of the long term financial viability of the project (in particular after the grant period), and
- Value for money including a need for funding (e.g. the project would not proceed without the grant, or would not proceed to the same standard or in the proposed timeframe) and any additional investment committed to the project.
It is in your interest to comprehensively address each assessment criteria. TQUAL Grants is a highly competitive merit based program. Meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee that an offer of funding will be made.
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