NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE VISITOR ECONOMY TASKFORCE REPORT 07-01-12 Overview The Visitor Economy Taskforce was established by the NSW Government as a commitment to develop a strategy to double overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020. Following public and industry submissions, the NSW Government has considered the suitability and feasibility of each recommendation. The Plan outlines the actions for achievement using an industry and Government partnership approach. To access the Visitor Economy Taskforce final report go to: www.business.nsw.gov.au/vet whilst the BusNSW submission to the taskforce is available on our website at www.busnsw.com.au. Following is a summary of the key deliverables and bus specific recommendations/actions from the report. A Summary of the Key Deliverables from the Report - New Destination Management Planning (DMP) system for NSW - Regional Conference Strategy for NSW - New Annual Business Leadership forum - New funding program criteria for regional tourism - Long-term brand campaigns for Sydney and NSW - Strengthened major events and festival calendar - Dedicated visitor servicing coordination for Sydney - New travel concessions for international students - $87 million cruise infrastructure program - New Destination NSW China Strategy - Glebe Island Expo to house trade exhibitions while the Convention Centre is completed - New aboriginal Tourism Action Plan. $125 million annual funding for the next four years for Destination NSW. $87 million upgrade to cruise infrastructure White Bay and Overseas Passenger Terminal. NSW Accommodation Supply Plan Systematic theming approach to the promotion of Sydney and Regional NSW. - Identify target markets and market segments - Build a competitive industry and Government digital marketing capability harnessing: Online promotion/search engine optimisation. Social media networks/video casting/blogs. Location and map search functions, smartphone apps including QR code. - Partner with industry to accelerate adoption. 1
Work with City of Sydney on future land use and development standards. New Destination Management Planning system for NSW divided into regions: - Greater Sydney - Sydney surrounds - North Coast - South Coast - Inland Include the development of engagement models with government and industry stakeholders. Develop a long term comprehensive state-wide events and festivals strategy that encompasses both major and smaller events and festivals. Extend and coordinate targeted trade and consumer promotions to encourage visitors to experience NSW and promote it as a tourism destination. Work with relevant industry bodies to identify, develop and facilitate specific high yield market segment opportunities. Bus Specific Recommendations and Actions Visitor Economy Taskforce report recommendations relevant to the NSW Tourism and Bus and Coach operations Government response to Visitor Economy Taskforce report recommendations Recommendation 8 Action 8A: Ensure that the NSW Government s LTTMP identifies and incorporates opportunities to improve passenger movement to and from Sydney Airport. The LTTMP identifies actions to increase rail and bus services to and from Sydney Airport and improve the road network around the airport. Sydney Airport Master Plan SACL: will include a ground transport plan to address road congestion and improve traffic flows in and around the Airport precinct, as well as initiatives to support increased public transport usage. 2
Recommendation 9 Action 9: establishment of priority lane access for buses and taxis from the CBD to and from Sydney Airport. - Expansion of the Sydney bus network services to and from the Airport. - Development and implementation of a plan to facilitate bus and mini bus access to a centralised transit point(s) at the Airport terminal precincts. $25 million earmarked for redevelopment of the OPT. Recommendation 13 in principle Action 13B: Reopen Jack Mundey Place and move the booth in the middle of the road at the entrance to allow direct provisioning vehicle access to cruise ships via Argyle Street. In support of Sydney Ports Corporation trial traffic management plan for cruise ship operations, the SHFA has agreed to open Jack Mundey Place on cruise ship days between 6-9am to allow coaches and trucks access to the OPT. The trial period is for six months and commenced on the 17 th October 2012. Action 13C: Further restrict vehicle parking immediately in front of the OPT. SPC identify alternative off-site parking options such as running a shuttle bus on ship days from Northern Barangaroo to the OPT. Recommendation 14 ensure visitor precincts and major event venues are considered in transport planning. Action 14C: Improve coach and taxi infrastructure and access options throughout Sydney CBD, major visitor precincts, event venues and Regional NSW. TfNSW is developing a Sydney City Centre Access Strategy (LTTMP) which will include consideration of coach and taxi access and infrastructure needs. 3
Recommendation 21 Action 21B: Free WiFi at major tourist destinations is currently available or being trialled. Options to provide connectivity at other transport interchanges will be further explored by TfNSW. Upgrade 131500 for public transport information in multiple languages. Apps, brochures included. Recommendation 22 - TfNSW is investigating improvements to public transport wayfinding signage to support the integrated transport network. Recommendation 24 Develop a visitor and transport policy to ensure that visitor needs and improved visitor service are incorporated into transport planning and service delivery. in principle The LTTMP supports growing visitor needs. NSW Trade and Investment will coordinate an interagency working group to consider the transport options needed by visitors in NSW. Action 24A: more adequate coach parking and accessibility arrangements. Action 24B: increase frequency and hours of operation of late night public transport. Action 24D: upgrade Central Station interchange and outlined in the LTTMP. Extra buses currently operating from 1-5am from Kings Cross. in principle. Recommendation 36 Action 36B: Develop and implement a NSW Regional Business events strategy. Promote and engage with Sydney businesses to encourage them to hold conferences in regional areas. Recommendation 37: Maintain or improve the Regional Tourism funding budget - $5.1 million (2012-13) 4
Recommendation 47: Destination NSW regional visitor funding programs will be made available on a contestable basis and open to applications from a wide range of industry and other stakeholders. Destination NSW will determine the criteria for its regional funding programs which will be for marketing and product development. The funding will be made available on a matched basis. This Members Information Sheet has been prepared by BusNSW for Bus Operators to assist with understanding of relevant issues. BusNSW shall not be liable for any matter contained herein or any loss suffered by an Operator due to reliance on this information. Contact BusNSW on (02) 8839 9500 for assistance. 5