Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
James Souter and Alice O’Mara will use the funding to expand Beltana Farm.
The ACT Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund will support 15 local businesses this year.
These businesses will receive a share of close to $500,000 in funding to enhance what they can offer customers.
Developing better visitor experiences
The fund encourages co-investment in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors through:
- infrastructure
- products
- experiences.
Having better visitor experiences in Canberra can help boost the local economy and create jobs.
It also enhances Canberra’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Growing Beltana Farm
Beltana Farm in Pialligo is one successful recipient this year.
The small business will receive $100,000 to help it expand.
This will go towards a shop focused on the truffle industry and other local produce. The farm will also add a training and tasting room.
“Thanks to the support from the Tourism Product Development Fund, we have been able to expand our business offerings, turning our farm into a multifaceted destination,” Beltana Farm owner Alice O’Mara said.
“Visitors will soon be able to enjoy engaging experiences complemented by curated farm tastings and a boutique shopping experience featuring our farm-made products as well as other Canberra-made produce and items.”
A wide range of recipients
Other recipients from this round include:
- Canberra Glassworks – $10,000 to upgrade their public sound system.
- National Capital Educational Tourism project – $50,000 for the addition of The Dinosaur Museum and Canberra Glassworks to the Book Canberra Excursions booking platform.
- High Country Hikes – $11,000 to for the purchase of a vehicle to establish a new walking tour.
- Gang Gang Cafe – $38,659 for upgraded outdoor dining infrastructure to host live music and cultural events.
- Abode – The Apartment Hotel Murrumbateman – $25,000 to develop a conference space.
- Yarralumla Play Station – $30,000 to build ‘The Canberra Maze’.
- Share-A-Bike – $35,000 to establish a Lakeside Bike Hire pop-up bicycle rental facility.
- Wilma – $20,000 to establish the new Canberra Region Wine Room.
- Australian Outward-Bound Foundation – $10,000 for the purchase of a larger bus for transportation.
- Capital Brewing Co. – $25,000 for the enhancement of an outdoor seating structure.
- Canberra Racing Club – $25,000 for the installation of Wi-Fi at Thoroughbred Park.
- Lunetta Trattoria – $20,000 for revitalisation of the Red Hill ground floor kiosk into a modern wine bar.
- Midnight Hotel – $20,000 to establish the ‘Mark’ brand art hub.
- The Truffle Farm – $80,000 to construct an additional luxury cabin.
The fund’s background
The Tourism Product Development Fund was set up in 2021 to help Canberra’s tourism sector recover after COVID.
Its success in supporting local businesses and helping the recovery of the local visitor economy has seen it continue.
Over three years, the program has invested over $4 million in total funding (this includes matched funding from the recipients).
Some past recipients include: Squeaky Clean, Big River Distillery, Mount Majura Wines, Edgar’s and The Jetty for the enhancement of food and beverage spaces; Go Boat for Go Boat Charters; Australian National University Mt Stromlo Observatory for an astro tourism facility; Dynamic Motivation, Cycle Canberra and Woodlands & Wetlands Trust for Mountain E-bike Tours in Canberra; Cubby and Co for new vineyard accommodation; Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation Association for the development of the Majura Treetops Adventure Park; The Canberra Distillery for a distillery education facility.
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