Tourism Minister Jodi McKay announced the funding at a Beyond the Drought seminar held in Forbes last week in response to declining tourism in drought-affected communities such as the Lachlan and the Riverina.

The seminar was designed to help tourism businesses increase visitor numbers and generate income for the community.

Country Labor Convenor Christine Robertson said tourism contributed more than $828 million to the region’s economy last year.

“In the face of widespread drought, it’s absolutely vital that we boost the region’s profile and continue to drive tourism opportunities in the area.

“The drought continues to take its toll on regional areas, and this of course has a massive impact on farmers, businesses and communities such as Central NSW,” she said.

“Beyond the Drought is the first initiative of its kind in NSW to address declining tourism in drought affected communities such as the Lachlan and the Riverina.”