Mr Abbott importantly addressed the issue of additional aviation capacity by arguing that “action is urgently required to improve air travel in and out of Sydney. For now, though, this has more to do with addressing the traffic gridlock around the airport at peak times and making better use of other airports than it does with building a new one that couldn’t be operational for many years.”

In a doorstop interview immediately following his speech, Mr Abbott stated that “it is important that we improve the experience of people travelling in and out of Sydney by air. In the immediate future, that means sorting out traffic problems near Sydney Airport at peak times. Down the track it means better use of Sydney Airport. It means better use of Richmond and it means better use of other airports too”.

When asked by a journalist if Sydney needed a second airport sometime in the future, Mr Abbott replied “Sydney certainly needs better servicing by air as our city expands and grows, as our economy grows, that is certainly going to mean we need more airport capacity – no doubt about that.” Mr Abbott also refused to rule out the construction of a second Sydney Airport when further pressed on the matter.

Mr Abbott’s comments clearly contrast with the position of the New South Wales Premier, Barry O’Farrell who has ruled out any new measure to grow aviation capacity, except for redirecting flights to Canberra Airport, 285 kilometres away from Sydney via a high speed rail link.

The Tourism Industry Council NSW is “optimistic that a future Abbott Coalition Government will take a sensible approach to the issue of addressing our state’s aviation capacity needs”, its General Manager, Andrew Jefferies said. “If the Coalition are elected to power, we believe that an Abbott Government will take a fair and rational approach to the issue and hopefully, not one that is clouded by the typical rhetoric and farcical overtones of the current debate. Aviation capacity is a critical issue for New South Wales tourism and the state’s economy and we welcome Mr Abbott’s healthy contribution to this debate”

Mr Jefferies comments follow the announcement from the Federal Government that detailed investigative studies into the social, economic and environmental impacts for the suitability of Wilton in Sydney’s South West as an airport site and the Richmond RAAF Base in Sydney’s North West for limited commercial operations.

“The Tourism Industry Council NSW believes that the steps taken by the Government are correct and prudent in order to plan ahead for the next fifty years so that tourism in New South Wales is not left behind and that our state can continue to effectively compete with Queensland and Victoria for international and domestic tourists”, Mr Jefferies said.

“Whilst we are disappointed that the Minister continues to rule out a relaxation of the eighty movement an hour cap at Sydney Airport that unfairly inhibits its ability to grow, we are pleased that the views of the Council have been heard and taken into account with regards to the use of the Richmond RAAF base as a commercial operation”.

“The Council has previously advocated for the use of Richmond to be used for low cost carrier operations, following upon the success of Avalon Airport, west of Melbourne, Newcastle and Gold Coast Airports. It has a runway length that will allow the current generation of Boeing 737’s and Airbus A320’s used by low cost carriers to make effective use of the facility and is adjacent to the Western Rail Line. Importantly, Richmond already has existing aviation facilities such as a fuel line, maintenance hangers and use by the current generation of commercial aircraft are considerably quieter than the old Caribous and Boeing 707’s of yesteryear”.

“We look forward to receiving further details from the Government about how these studies will be conducted and ask that the timelines for completion be considered as an urgent priority”.

This year’s official launch of the 2012 NSW Tourism Awards also welcomes and acknowledges the outstanding achievements of our state’s winners at the 2011 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

The Jubilee Room of New South Wales Parliament House is this year’s venue where the Awards will be officially launched and opened by the Hon. George Souris MP, the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts.

The 2012 NSW Tourism Awards are moving into an exciting new era, with increased awareness and interest on the back of the success of New South Wales winners at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and an expanded workshop program that will be delivered across regional New South Wales. The Awards acknowledge and celebrate the best of our state’s tourism products and highlights those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year.

With 31 categories across the wider industry, entry provides tourism businesses across all sectors the opportunity to review and benchmark business operations and to reassess strategic goals, based upon the feedback provided by the judging process.

Date: Tuesday 22 May
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Jubilee Room, Parliament House

Moree on a Plate, a food and wine fair, hosted an array of producers, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Darren Simpsons throughout the day, an exhibition of works by Georgina Hart at The Moree Gallery opening on Friday 11 May and the Moree on a Plate Gala Evening on Saturday 12 May at the Town & Country Club, as well as the ever popular Kids Korner.

Date: Saturday 12 May 2012
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Moree Secondary College, Moree

The Kids Korner featured a variety of activities for children such as face painting, a jumping castle, play doh den and a kids disco. Many of the activities at the Kids Korner were provided to parents at no cost, making it an incredibly family friendly event.

To learn more about Moree on a Plate, please visit their website, www.moreeonaplate.com.au

• Premier’s failure to act will overwhelmingly define his legacy
• Reject Canberra, lift movement cap and take a look at Richmond
• Barry’s Big, Bold vision to benefit Sydney and boost visitors
• Air Asia X arrival heralds exciting new era
• Whole of Government solution required for Garden Island access
• From the Chairman – Ken Corbett
• From the General Manager- Andrew Jefferies
• TICNSW welcomes new member- BRP Australia
• Regional Accommodation Diploma Extended

Premier’s failure to act will overwhelmingly define his legacy

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s failure to act upon the contents of the joint Federal and New South Wales Government’s report into aviation access for the Sydney region will overwhelmingly define his legacy, the General Manager of the Tourism Industry Council NSW, Andrew Jefferies has said this morning.
The report, released a few weeks ago by a committee including business and tourism leaders and representatives of the State and Federal Governments found that the 80 movements an hour cap at Sydney Airport should be relaxed and that planning should immediately commence for a second airport in the Sydney basin.
Given the importance of this issue, not only for the tourism industry but for the future of the New South Wales and Australian economies, the Tourism Industry Council is extremely disappointed with Mr O’Farrell’s position, particularly given reports in yesterday’s media that he had failed to consult with cabinet colleagues and Infrastructure NSW about the matter.

Click here to read more

Reject Canberra, lift movement cap and take a look at Richmond

The Tourism Industry Council NSW has called for common sense to prevail in the second Sydney Airport debate.

 We believe the current debate has been too heavily focused on politics and marginal seats and one that ignores the realities and needs of the New South Wales economy, the wider tourism industry and the operational realities of Sydney Airport.

 We call upon both the New South Wales and Federal Governments to review and discuss three key decisions.

Click here to read more

Barry’s Big, Bold vision to benefit Sydney and boost visitors

Premier Barry O’Farrell’s new bold vision for the Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition space will benefit Sydney and boost visitor arrivals.

The announcement, a $1 Billion investment that expands the current space by two thirds to 20 hectares is set to feature a new entertainment precinct and inclusion of new commercial office facilities is the kind of bold vision that our state requires.

We are pleasantly surprised by these visionary plans which include the largest, fully integrated exhibition space in the Southern Hemisphere at 40,000 square meters, the largest meeting room space and convention hall whilst allowing for the demolition and replacement of the Entertainment Centre for premium events.

Click here to read more

Air Asia X arrival heralds exciting new era

The first flight into Sydney of the Malaysian based low cost carrier, Air Asia X heralds an exciting new era for international low cost travel.

Air Asia X, the long haul, low cost offshoot of successful Air Asia commenced daily services to Sydney Airport yesterday, a move that will inject a further $138 Million into the New South Wales economy each year. 

The Tourism Industry Council applauds the combined efforts of the New South Wales Government, Destination NSW and Sydney Airport to construct a two year marketing partnership that will help to increase tourism numbers to Sydney and New South Wales and promotes key markets such as Malaysia, China and Singapore.

Click here to read more

Farewell Jenna!  Welcome Kristine!

It is with sadness that I report that our Industry & Membership Services Officer, Jenna Veness will be leaving the Council at the end of the month. Jenna commenced work with the Council as an Events intern from the Southern Cross University at Lismore, before taking on the role full time from February last year.   She has recently been offered and accepted a new role in Network Services with Jetset Travelworld in North Sydney.  On behalf of the Tourism Industry Council NSW Board, I thank Jenna for her sound contributions to the Council and wish her all the best for her future career.

TICNSW welcomes new member BRP Australia

Our newest member Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) have been operating since 1942 and provide their customers the opportunity to participate in the ultimate experience of motorised recreational activities.

BRP specialise in selling small agile motorised vehicles, ranging from Sea-Doo watercrafts to Snowmobiles to 4×4 ATV’s, these vehicles are created through a vision of technology and design that are indirectly inspired by the single compelling mission of delivering the most extraordinary recreational experience.

BRP currently supports the ‘Black Spot Program’ in partnership with Surf Life Saving. BRP vehicles are currently used by Sutherland Shire Council and Waverley Council in NSW to enhance the performance of beach patrols.

BRP have a commitment to ensuring customers have a lifetime of unique experiences with an increasing number of superior quality products. BRP are successful in offering product to their target market due to their intuitive connection they possess with their customers.

For further information on BRP Australia, please click here

Regional Accommodation Diploma Extended

The first round of regional trainees enrolled in the Accommodation Association of Australia’s Academy commenced their Diploma of Management in Accommodation recently, under an $87 million New Workforce Development Fund initiative. The Association can now confirm that funding for a further 30 Diploma of Management places has been approved and extended to include other states providing national coverage. The funding partnership gives industry the opportunity to ensure tailored training for their workers and businesses.

The Accommodation Association’s Academy made a successful bid for 25 Diploma of Management places for NSW and Victorian regional members at the end of 2011, following a member survey which highlighted that 67% of members indicated a gap in the managerial and leadership skills of SME businesses.

“AAA members, particularly in regional centres, have expressed a desire to facilitate training for employees with experience but no formal business qualifications”, said CEO Richard Munro.

The second round hopes to commence at the beginning of May. The program equips participants with the skills necessary to improve training and motivate employees, in addition to increasing sustainable business productivity and profitability through best management practices.

“AAA members believe employees will grow their own vocational aspirations as well as those of the business by exposure to topics such as financial planning, creating business and strategic plans, recruiting and selecting employees, managing personal priorities and employee performance.

The Diploma is delivered online with webinar support from the Academy’s partners, whilst the unique part of the program is individualised onsite by business mentoring with an industry expert.

To register your interest in the second round of the Diploma email academy@aaoa.com.au or call 1300 730 388

“The current restrictions, capping landings and takeoffs to just 80 movements an hour unfairly burden residents and tourists seeking to fly to regional New South Wales”, Mr Jefferies said.

“Whilst Sydney Airport’s movements contain a so called regional ring fence that guarantees access for intrastate New South Wales flights, there remains a lack of unallocated, protected slots for regional flights in peak periods where the cap is reached, meaning no new intrastate services can be operated at the busiest times of the day when people need to travel. The lack of new frequencies for flights to and from regional New South Wales is a poor outcome for tourism and poor for many local economies across the state”, Mr Jefferies said.

“The Tourism Industry Council NSW reiterates its position that the first step in granting greater air access to the Sydney region starts with relaxing the movement cap at Sydney Airport. Sydney Airport still has room for growth and has a natural capacity of around 90 movements per hour”.

“Freeing up flights to Sydney Airport will enable greater efficiency for this significant asset and allow Government to plan well ahead for future airport arrangements”.

“We call upon the Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese, to immediately amend the Sydney Demand Management Act 1997 in the House of Representatives to enable greater access for regional operators to deliver growth opportunities for towns and cities across New South Wales”.

The Macquarie Marshes are currently experiencing an increase in birdlife activity– it is the perfect time to explore the Marshes due to consistent rain.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Ranger Carolyn Fisher of Marsh Meanders is currently taking bookings for walking and kayaking tours.

If you are interested please contact Carolyn on:

Ph. 02 6824 2072
kipsy1@bigpond.com

For more information please click here

BRP specialise in selling small agile motorised vehicles, ranging from Sea-Doo watercrafts to Snowmobiles to 4×4 ATV’s, these vehicles are created through a vision of technology and design that are indirectly inspired by the single compelling mission of delivering the most extraordinary recreational experience.

BRP currently supports the ‘Black Spot Program’ in partnership with Surf Life Saving. BRP vehicles are currently used by Sutherland Shire Council and Waverley Council in NSW to enhance the performance of beach patrols.

BRP have a commitment to ensuring customers have a lifetime of unique experiences with an increasing number of superior quality products. BRP are successful in offering product to their target market due to their intuitive connection they possess with their customers.

For further information on BRP Australia please click here

The Accommodation Association’s Academy made a successful bid for 25 Diploma of Management places for NSW and Victorian regional members at the end of 2011, following a member survey which highlighted that 67% of members indicated a gap in the managerial and leadership skills of SME businesses.

“AAA members, particularly in regional centres, have expressed a desire to facilitate training for employees with experience but no formal business qualifications”, said CEO Richard Munro.

The second round hopes to commence at the beginning of May. The program equips participants with the skills necessary to improve training and motivate employees, in addition to increasing sustainable business productivity and profitability through best management practices.

“AAA members believe employees will grow their own vocational aspirations as well as those of the business by exposure to topics such as financial planning, creating business and strategic plans, recruiting and selecting employees, managing personal priorities and employee performance.

The Diploma is delivered online with webinar support from the Academy’s partners, whilst the unique part of the program is individualised onsite by business mentoring with an industry expert.

To register your interest in the second round of the Diploma email academy@aaoa.com.au or call 1300 730 388

The announcement, a $1 Billion investment that expands the current space by two thirds to 20 hectares is set to feature a new entertainment precinct and inclusion of new commercial office facilities is “the kind of bold vision that our state requires”, Mr Jefferies said.

“We are pleasantly surprised by these visionary plans which include the largest, fully integrated exhibition space in the Southern Hemisphere at 40,000 square meters, the largest meeting room space and convention hall whilst allowing for the demolition and replacement of the Entertainment Centre for premium events”.

“Whilst there will obviously be some dislocation during the three year construction and development period, the end result will be a world class facility that will allow Sydney to effectively compete on the world stage for meetings, conferences and events”.

“These new facilities will boost visitor arrivals to Sydney and New South Wales in line with the vision and strategies to double overnight visitor expenditure by 2020″.

The Council notes that more bold vision and tough decisions are required to achieve these targets, particularly the Premier’s continuing refusal to show leadership on the issue of expanded aviation capacity in Sydney.