ROBBIE Katter has welcomed the State Government's $10 million Transport and Tourism Connections program as an incentive to increase tourism in Western Queensland.
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The State Member for Mount Isa said the scheme would suit upgrading an unsealed stretch of 11 km road to Winton Australian Age of Dinosaurs (AAOD).
"The world-class centre is a perfect example of a sound investment in infrastructure for our Outback attractions," he said.
"I'm confident Winton Shire Council Mayor Butch Lenton and his team, along with the hard-working staff at AAOD, will make a strong case for funding."
Mr Katter highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure to support rural towns to improve accessibility and safety.
"Unfortunately, some tourists turn away at the sight of an unsealed road,” he said.
Mr Katter said the economies of rural towns would receive a much-needed boost from more visitors to the region if the AAOD road was sealed.
"Sealing the road will boost tourism expenditure, helping put money back through the tills of the surrounding towns, along with generating employment for locals," he said.
Sealing the road will boost tourism expenditure, helping put money back through the tills of the surrounding towns, along with generating employment for locals
- Robbie Katter
"The hard-working staff at AAOD fully deserve funding support - the museum has gone from strength to strength on the back of the vision of David and Judy Elliott back in 2003."
"Already there’s $150,000 to improve pathway access so everyone has an opportunity to see the incredible life-sized herd of bronze dinosaurs."
Mr Katter said Winton was continuing to grow despite the fire which destroyed the Waltzing Matilda Centre in June 2015.
"It's fantastic to see the Centre will soon be back to its former glory with $1.2m in state funding to reconstruct the wonderful facility."
