Alex Hawke congratulates Billabong Retreat following T-QUAL Grant

Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, today congratulated the Billabong Retreat in Maraylya on being successful in their application to receive a T‑QUAL Grant under the Tourism Quality Projects (TQP) Program

“It is fantastic that the Billabong Retreat will receive a grant of $110,000 to construct new eco-treetop double cabins, eco-shelters, a nature and wellness treetop education centre and waste water facilities.

“The project will provide 40 per cent more capacity at the Billabong Retreat and provide higher quality accommodation and facilities for guests.

“My congratulations to Paul and Victoria von Bergen, the owners and operators of the Billabong Retreat. I wish them every success as they embark on the expansion of the retreat.” Alex Hawke said.

About 88 tourism businesses Australia wide will share in grants worth approximately $8.5 million under a scheme designed to improve the quality of the visitor experience in Australia.

“These grants represent this Government’s commitment to investing in one of our largest industries in tourism. This funding will have a positive and direct impact on business and will draw more tourists to visit this wonderful part of the Hills Shire.” Alex Hawke said.

To be successful in the application round, tourism operators had to show how they would use the funds to create innovative projects which were of high quality.