Welcome cash boost for tourism

Granite Belt Wine Tourism has been given a leg up in these trying times for tourism.

NETWORKING: Debbie Bradburn (31 The Rocks), GBWT president Ann Bourke, QCWT president Peter O'Reilly, Mayor Tracy Dobie, Steve Messiter (Girraween Estate Winery) and Steve Bradburn (31 The Rocks) at the meeting on Tuesday night. Picture: Contributed

GRANITE Belt Wine Tourism has been given a leg up in these trying times for tourism.

At a meeting attended by more than 60 members and interested individuals on Tuesday night, GBWT was presented with two cheques totalling $70,000.

"Obviously accommodation hasn't been as full as it could be,” GBWT president Ann Bourke said.

"However, it's the positive attitudes of businesses that keeps us all working and moving forward.

"We've still got to get the people here and look after them while they're here.”

Getting people here will be a little easier, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Southern Downs Regional Council.

The money will go towards the organisation's marketing over the course of the next 12 months.

"We've also signed a memorandum of understanding with the council for us to work together,” Mrs Bourke said.

It was a welcome donation, with GBWT not receiving any funding from council for several years.

"We've not received funding from council since before Destination Southern Downs was around,” Mrs Bourke said.

"A bit of background - so prior to DSD the council funded GBWT to operate the Visitors Information Centre and had a paid marketing person.

"Then DSD folded and we've picked up with our organisation and run with it again.

"We haven't had funding from council for four to five years.”

Mrs Bourke said council recognised the achievements the organisation had made.

She said they had been kicking goals in the digital world, in terms of web and social media presence.

Their budget usually came from member funds, so the extra injection was welcomed.

"It was about recognising the strategic direction GBWT is forging forward with and acknowledging we've made huge achievements.”

They also received $20,000 from the Federal Government through the Building Better Regions Fund.