Airline tickets to Merimbula will be halved as part of a $1.2 billion package to stimulate domestic holidays.

Local tourism operators and the wider regional economy have waited a long time for this very welcome news.

Together we have lobbied hard for greater support and attention after two failed summers due to bushfires, COVID-19 and border closures.

I’ve been banging the drum loudly by speaking on the floor in Parliament, hosting business round tables, writing to Federal Ministers, speaking to the media and writing opinion pieces.

I’m so pleased our collective efforts have contributed to this announcement. We can’t forget though that this is a long journey, and the government needs to be ready to respond as needs arise.

I will keep meeting with small businesses to make sure their voices are understood and heard by government.

I look forward to finding out more about this package and how it will roll out, and I welcome feedback from the local industry as it becomes a reality.

The visitors who will come on the back of this initiative will have a great time in our beautiful environment and community, they will leave with a big smile, but more than that they will leave knowing that they have played their role in helping our community rebuild and recover.

For help planning your holiday in the mighty Eden-Monaro:

• Sapphire Coast
• Snowy Mountains
• Snowy Valleys
• Narooma

Photo: Jack McBain at Spencer Park, Merimbula.

Media contact: Ian Campbell, phone 0417 482 171