The Andrews Labor Government is bringing the Murray River region to life with new funding announced today for the Murray Digital Experience.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford joined Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp today to announce the project, which will help local tourism operators provide authentic tourism experiences that raise the profile of the region as a major tourist attraction.
The Murray Digital Experience will use a range of technology such as augmented and virtual reality to bring the unique story and diversity of the Murray region to life.
Funding for the Murray Digital Experience is being provided through Labor Government’s new $2 million Regional Events and Innovation Fund (REIF).
The pilot program has three main elements:
- a digital Hub, which will see a range of current individual websites integrated into a single platform
- pilot testing of a virtual reality experience of tourist attractions across the Murray
- development of an augmented reality app for key projects, such as Ports of the Murray, to bring a diverse range of experiences to life through immersion and technology.
Tourism is vital to the Murray region, which received approximately 5.6 million visitors that spent an estimated $1.3 billion in the year ending March 2018. In 2016-17, tourism generated employment for around 12,000 people in the region.
The REIF will add to the Regional Events Fund, which has helped to deliver a successful calendar of more than 160 events throughout the state that have brought a steady stream of visitors and boosted the regional economy.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“We’re activating our stunning Murray River region like never seen before through interactive and hands-on experiences that showcase the best this beautiful part of Victoria has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Our Regional Events and Innovation Fund helps regional centres and towns build on their tourism strengths to attract visitors from Victoria, Australia and the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“We’re giving Mildura and regional towns across northern Victoria more opportunities to grow their visitor economy, support local businesses and create local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020