Mangrove Mountain Cultural Tourism Park is set to receive a $650,000 boost thanks to Round Two of the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.
Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) Chairperson, Barry ‘BJ’ Duncan, said the investment will help build a cultural tourism precinct where the Aboriginal community can share its creation and dreaming stories and cultural practices.
“Darkinjung is proud to lead the development of a cultural park that will help people experience these things, here on the doorstep of Sydney rather than feeling like they have to travel to the Northern Territory to experience Aboriginal culture,” Duncan said.
DLALC Chief Executive Officer Brendan Moyle said many people don’t know the creation story of Biayami which is shared amongst many Aboriginal nations across NSW and began at Mount Yengo at the back of the Central Coast.
“This park will be something unique where domestic and international visitors can come and have cultural experiences, staying overnight in camping or glamping which many people currently feel that they have to travel interstate for,” Moyle said.
He said the investment will see an increase in the number camping facilities at the location, with flushing toilets, campfire grounds, central undercover kitchen and eating area and showers installed for people staying at the site to use.
“Funding will also be used to establish concrete paths and ramps allowing those with mobility issues to explore and experience the park and sites,” he said.
“Darkinjung will be using this to attract tourists with a range of offerings, from camping in swags to high-end glamping and cultural tours for day visitors.
“This will provide significant visitor experiences drawing people to the Central Coast, while also providing Aboriginal employment and business outcomes.
“These opportunities are critically important for the Central Coast noting that more than 17,000 people identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander which is the fastest growing Aboriginal community in Australia.
“Creating real jobs and business opportunities is important for the Aboriginal and broader community, and helping protect and promote culture provides a perfect platform for real and genuine reconciliation across the region.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said it was a pleasure to be able to provide the funds required to help get the project off the ground.
“This won’t only support our region by increasing visitation, this will support local economies and local jobs as more people spend at cafes, restaurants, hotels, motels, and local shops,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition and realise the positive outcomes (it) will contribute to regional NSW.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund supports local economies and local jobs by backing unique tourism experiences that will attract visitors and showcase what regional NSW has to offer.
“We know regional NSW has Australia’s best tourist destinations and experiences,” he said.
“We want to amplify that by helping create new experiences and drawcards that put more heads on beds and attract more tourism dollars into regional communities.
“The projects backed through the $150 million Round Two of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will give domestic and international visitors even more great reasons to experience the best regional NSW has to offer.”
Round Two focuses on accelerating the development of high impact tourism and events infrastructure that will increase the international appeal of destinations in regional NSW and boost the visitor economy through increased visitation and job creation.
Terry Collins