John O’Neill’s NSW tourism review is on the right track says TTF…………

According to peak tourism industry group TTF Australia (Tourism & Transport Forum), the NSW Government’s plans to expand exhibition space, create a calendar of events and double the number of business events as part of the John O’Neill Report into Tourism in NSW, is on the right track.

TTF Australia Managing Director, Christopher Brown, says initial indications about the O’Neill Report recommendations augured well for the industry, adding, “Today’s news reports that the key O’Neill Report recommendations are to expand existing convention and exhibition space and develop new space at East Darling Harbour is music to the ears of the tourism industry.”

“It looks as though the NSW Government has listened to what TTF Australia has been saying for the last two years about the need to find a multi-pronged solution to address the shortage of facilities, including venue development, better co-ordination of Sydney’s venues and more marketing resources to attract business.”

“NSW is losing over $218 million a year due to a lack of convention and exhibition facilities – the financial equivalent of the benefits of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.”

“These proposed recommendations for upgrades and new facilities at Darling Harbour will help ease the squeeze on convention and exhibition space and put Sydney in a better position to attract influential and high yielding business events.”

“These initial recommendations indicate that the NSW Government chose the right man for the job in securing John O’Neill, head of the Australian Rugby Union, to oversee the review.”

Mr Brown said that while the initial recommendations were a step in the right direction, the review needed to include a funding boost for marketing.

“The industry is waiting with anticipation to receive the final recommendations of the three-part O’Neill Report next month.”

“I would hope that the review will also include recommendations for increased funding and promotions to sell the Harbour City to the rest of the world.”

The mystery does deepen though in relation to Mr O’Neill’s reviews with some insiders being provided with information when at the same time it appears that industry and others are not………..The Mole may have missed something, but nothing has been recieved in relation to any media releases regarding Mr O’Neill’s reviews.

When The Mole contacted Tourism New South Wales earlier this month regarding the reviews, a response was received from Leanne Joyce, Director, Communications, Department of State & Regional Development who said, “Tourism NSW referred your media inquiry to me as we’re overseeing all the reviews.”  “Here’s some answers to the points you’ve raised.”

“In February 2007 the Premier, Morris Iemma, announced reviews of NSW major events, convention and exhibition space, and tourism.” 

“He appointed Mr John O’Neill AO to conduct the three reviews.” 

“The Department of State and Regional Development has been managing the review with Mr O’Neill and his team.”

“On Monday 25 June the Premier announced:-

** Establishment of a Major Events Corporation with a budget of $85 million over three years

** The appointment of Mr O’Neill as the interim Chairman of the NSW Major Events Corporation

** This role will be to finalise reports on the reviews, establish the Corporation, recruit key management personnel and set priorities.

** A key initiative will be to establish a calendar of recurring events to allow international visitors, conference and exhibition organisers to create a program of related activities– e.g. a sporting event with associated business activities as occurred during the Olympics and Rugby World Cup.

The current status is: –

** Reports on the first two reviews – major events and conventions/exhibition space – tourism are with the Premier and under consideration.

** The Tourism review is still underway with Mr O’Neill expected to present this report on 30^th September.

Report by The Mole