Three key tourism infrastructure projects to promote Sutherland as a cultural, tourism and historical centre have secured federal government funding.
The projects look at promoting of Gymea as an arts and cafe precinct, introducing touch screen signage for tourists to Cronulla, and undertaking a study looking at ways to promote the 250th anniversary of the landing of James Cook.
The projects will be supported by $516,000 in federal government funding over the next two financial years under the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program.
The funding will be matched by Sutherland Shire Council on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
The Hazelhurst Arts Centre Gymea Village Trail will have a total cost of $700,000 will promote Gymea as an arts and cafe precinct.
The project will capitalise on the more than 200,000 visitors a year to the Hazelhurst Gallery and the the increasing popularity of Gymea following the main street upgrade.
Public art and art points of interest in Gymea village and a strong pedestrian link to the gallery are envisaged to promote the area to even more visitors.
“Hazelhurst is the most patronised regional. Visual arts complex in NSW and could attract even more tourists from across NSW and interstate by leveraging the culture economy,” a council report said.
The second project, the $250,000 Cronulla Way Finding and Interpretive Signage could see 24-hour touch screen monitors and other improved interpretive signage to highlight Cronulla’s points of interest including its rich surfing heritage and showing cycling routes and tourist walks.
Finally, the $80,000 Cook 2020 study will examine event opportunities to identify Sutherland Shire as the centre of the 150th anniversary observance of James Cook’s landing at Kurnell.
The council will defer several other infrastructure works over the next two financial years to ensure the delivery of the three key tourism infrastructure projects.
