Venning: Tell me something I don't know

December 8, 2011

Many of the recommendations included in the recently released Barossa Product Gap Audit Report are "not new" says Member for Schubert, Mr Ivan Venning.

The report, a joint project of the Tourism Ministers' Council, South Australian Tourism Commission and Tourism Barossa, examines gaps in the tourism offerings of the Barossa region.
"I welcome the report" said Mr Venning, "Even though there are few surprises or new ideas in it".

When releasing the report on the 25 November, Senator Nick Sherry commented on what needed to occur to ensure future tourism growth in the region:
"While the region has lost market share over the past decade, a new audit of the Barossa forecasts potential growth of 30 per cent in tourism spending by 2030. That's if we realise investment opportunities."

Mr Venning said he agreed with Senator Sherry's statement, investment was needed to grow tourism in the area, but said he had raised many of the suggestions included in the report with the State Government and no funding or action had been forthcoming.

"I have been urging the State Government to improve the public transport services to and from the Barossa and throughout the region for many years.

"I have raised the lack of transport ad nauseam in Parliament and with the Minister - despite my continued lobbying, the Labor Government has failed to act.

"The same can be said regarding signage directing people to the Barossa and around the Barossa once they have arrived.

"This is yet another issue I have been campaigning the State Government for many years to improve and aside from two extra signs being placed between Adelaide and the Barossa along the Northern Expressway route; no other signage has been constructed.

"So here we have a report largely driven by the Federal Labor Government, containing some strong recommendations for immediate action that would increase Barossa tourism, but a State Labor Government that fails to act" said Mr Venning.

"As the local Member I was not even informed that this report was being put together, which makes me question how well consultation was undertaken.

"I do acknowledge the good work Tourism Barossa do with very limited funding from the State Government.

"I agree whole heartedly with comments made recently by Elaine Ratcliffe, Barossa Tourism Chairperson - State and Federal funds will be needed to implement some of the suggestions.

"Perhaps this report will give the region the leverage we need to get some action and instead of cutting funds, encourage the State Government to increase funding.

"Surely an extensive report like this, of over 200 pages, driven by the Federal Government; must encourage all Governments to prioritise these gaps and deliver.

"Otherwise the Barossa will cease to be a premium tourism region of Australia into the future" he said.