Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney met business owners in the region on his recent visit to Goulburn.
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He also visited the proposed Goulburn-Crookwell rail trail site along with Mayor Bob Kirk and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman.
The 56km Goulburn to Crookwell rail trail proposal would see the former railway line converted into a rail trail for cyclists and walkers.
READ MORE: Goulburn-Crookwell rail trail back on track
"Whether it's council's proposed Goulburn-Crookwell rail trail, the many wine offerings, or the villages with their distinct character, I am optimistic about opportunities for tourism in Goulburn and the Southern Tablelands more broadly," the minister said.
Ms Tuckerman felt that his visit presented a good opportunity to speak about the proposal.
"Minister Ayres was very receptive and truly understood the value, and just how well-loved our Wollondilly walking track is," she said.
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A recent review by a Wollongong based company has estimated the total cost of the project to be $14.16m.
A feasibility study on the proposal had stated that it could bring over 30,000 people a year in Goulburn, 10,000 overnight stays, and 23,000 local users a year.
Meanwhile, they also met local businesses in the region and tourism operators and discuss with them what recovery looks like.
"Much of the minister's visit was centered around tourism business - including those in the focus of the Tableland's destination management plan - and product development to tap into the Canberra and Sydney tourism markets," Ms Tuckerman said.
Minister Ayres feels that after the visitor economy across NSW has been disrupted by bushfires and COVID-19, now is the time for businesses to prepare for recovery and set themselves up for the future.
"Destination NSW and Destination Southern NSW are working hard to deliver a suite of initiatives such as the Get Connected program, NSW First industry development resources, and the Love NSW campaign to support businesses throughout this period," he said.
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