Hinterland cries ‘poor show’ over funding spread

A community leader has written to Tourism Noosa asking why Cooran and Boreen Point have missed funding support.

Rod Ritchie wants to see events funding spread around to Cooran and Boreen Point.

Two hinterland centres have been ignored in a COVID-19 recovery stimulus funding packages handed out by Tourism Noosa, according to a Cooroy community leader.

Cooroy Area Residents Association president Rod Ritchie has written to Tourism Noosa asking why organisations representing Cooran and Boreen Point missed out on $20,000 economic stimulus packages.

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“The funding is meant to be a one-off, non-competitive opportunity from Tourism Noosa for the region’s business communities, in line with our strategy and marketing approach to facilitate visitor dispersal throughout the villages,” Mr Ritchie said.

“It has been made possible as the shire has not been able to host larger events that are usually eligible for funding.”

Mr Ritchie said there had been no funding for the Cooran Memorial School of Arts or the Cootharaba Community Association.

He said Cooran lost its monthly music night and the Tall Trees Exhibition Week, the major town promotional event for the year, and the brewery closed down.

Cooran Hall concerts need more funding support.

“Boreen Point businesses like Habitat, Kanu Kapers, the Apollonian Hotel, the Campground, and the STL agency, all lost interstate visitors during Covid,” Mr Ritchie said.

“This funding is discriminatory to hinterland businesses which did it tough through the year, and are now suffering due to the Kin Kin quarry truck disaster.

“More than ever, they need help.”

Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said there should be support coming for the areas through its Noosa Villages Tourism Funding Boost 2020-2021.

Ms Anderson said the funding packages were made available to the known and emerging chambers of commerce and business associations in Noosa.

“Tourism Noosa understands the soon to be incorporated Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce represents the following communities – Pomona, Boreen Point, Cooran, and Kin Kin,” Ms Anderson said.

Tall Trees art week was cut down by COVID-19 and forced to host a virtual gallery display.

“This emerging chamber will gather expressions of interest from each of these village communities regarding what they see as suitable activities and projects that align with the funding criteria.

“Tourism Noosa will also be announcing this week details of smaller community event funding, which is a new initiative specifically developed to support smaller community events.

“Tourism Noosa looks forward to working closely with our local chambers and associations to enhance our visitor’s experience.”

TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING OF $20,000:

1. Hastings Street Association

2. Noosa Junction Association

3. Noosaville Business Association

4. Sunshine Beach Business Association

5. Peregian Beach Business Association

6. Tewantin Traders Association inclusive of Noosa Marina

7. Noosa Chamber of Commerce

8. Kin Kin Community Group

9. Pomona & District Chamber of Commerce

10. Cooroy Chamber of Commerce

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