An upcoming bushfire building conference in the Blue Mountains has received a funding boost from the state government.
The Australian Bushfire Building Conference will receive $26,000 as one of first regional conferences recognised under the government’s Regional Conferencing Development Grants Program.
Organised by Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise (BMEE), the conference will be held in Leura in September.
“This is a great example of how partnerships can work for economic and community benefit,” said BMEE CEO, Bernie Fehon.
“Over several years we have received generous support from NSW Rural Fire Service as major partner for the event. Now, Destination NSW has come on board as a strategic partner. This will be a great boost to our efforts in marketing this unique event around the country. The visitor economy is much more that the traditional tourist market as we normally think of it and business conferences like this are a key opportunity for the local community to benefit and build on our unique strengths.”
The conference will be held at the Fairmont Resort from September 6-7 whilst a community forum and market place will be held at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Hub at Springwood on September 8.
Upper House Government MP Shayne Mallard said he was delighted the conference received the funding which will help attract more business event visitors to the Blue Mountains.
“Staging business events is a great way to not only boost overnight visitation but encourage more visitors to experience everything that’s on offer, from our fantastic food and wine scene, natural attractions, spectacular scenery and renowned hospitality,” he said.
“The Bushfire Building Conference to be held in September at both Springwood and Fairmont Resort, Leura is a national conference building upon our communities deep experience of bushfires whilst showcasing the beauty of the Blue Mountains and why it is an ideal conference location.
“We look forward to welcoming first-time and returning visitors to our region for the Australian Bushfire Building Conference as a result of this NSW Government funding boost which contributes to our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020,” he said.
