Tourism grants ready for event planning

Lorryn, a waiter at St Anne's Winery in Myrniong, is just one of the many people who have gained work through local tourism. Picture Shawn Smits.

Tourism grants are up for grabs and Moorabool event organisers are being urged to apply.

Applications for seed funding are now open to assist new tourism event development in Moorabool shire.

Moorabool council’s tourism event grants program helps organisers plan and run new tourism events that have the potential to significantly increase visits from outside the region.

Successful applicants will receive funding for three consecutive years.

Mayor Allan Comrie says the program fosters new tourism activity in the shire.

As part of a competitive, merit-based assessment, applicants need to demonstrate they can provide a cash contribution to match what they’re applying for.

Cr Comrie noted it’s not only new- concept creators who can apply for the funding.

“You can still apply under the new tourism event guidelines if you can prove [the event’s] got pulling power.

“Blackwood, Greendale and the winery out at Myrniong all rely on tourism to keep their small businesses going, and events play an important role in drawing people to these areas.”

Potential applicants can discuss their eligibility with economic development and marketing manager Peter Forbes.

Apply at www.moorabool.vic.gov.au or call 5366 7100.