$500,000 worth of financial backing for tourism projects in Queensland has been put up by the State Government, but as yet not one Cook company has applied.

Cook MP Jason O'Brien said local companies needed to get into gear, with applications closing at 5pm on Friday 2 December 2011.

“Companies can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to help cover the cost of hiring an investment broker and I want to see that injection of funds coming to the Cook region,” Mr O'Brien said. “We can’t afford to miss out."

The Growing Tourism Investment Grants program has been developed to help local ideas people turn their proposals into a reality.

“The Bligh Government’s new tourism grants program aims to accelerate projects which are at in the final stages of planning and just need help securing investment to get off the ground," Mr O'Brien said.

“Anything that will diversify our current tourism offerings, heighten Queensland’s international competitiveness, fill a product gap, increase visitor numbers or create new jobs is eligible."

Mr O'Brien said applicants must be an Australian private sector business which has traded for at least two years with a registered Australian Business Number or Australian Company Number and registered for the Goods and Services Tax.
 
“I encourage all interested businesses to download a copy of the funding guidelines to learn more about the process and the types of tourism projects and funding activities which are eligible.”

To download a copy of the Growing Tourism Investment Grant guidelines, visit www.tourism.industry.qld.gov.au.  

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