From the parks and gardens of Tamworth to the hills to the West, residents and tourists to the Tamworth region will soon gain a new appreciation of our picturesque region thanks to $14.3 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has announced that the Tamworth Regional Skywalk project had been the recipient of the funding, in a significant boost to the region’s tourism appeal.

“The road to the lookout is a well-worn path with hundreds of locals walking or driving up Scenic Road and taking advantage of great views of our city and valley,” Mr Anderson said.

“Now we will be able to take full advantage of those views with a new walkway, rising above the tree canopy and snaking its way from the top of Brisbane Street up to the lookout.

“This will be another centrepiece to add to our portfolio of tourist attractions meaning more visitors to the region and, importantly, greater pedestrian safety for locals and visitors.”

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said members of the local community identified the need for a safer pedestrian link to the lookout in 2021 during the extensive community consultation for the Victoria Park Masterplan.

““Recreational walkers are currently walking up Scenic Road to the lookout, but this poses a serious safety issue as the road is narrow and drivers have poor visibility around corners,” he said.

“The skywalk will not only solve this issue, but it will also create a unique walking attraction for the Tamworth region and the wider New England North West.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund supports local economies and local jobs by backing unique tourism experiences that will attract visitors and showcase what regional NSW has to offer.

“We know regional NSW has Australia’s best tourist destinations and experiences. We want to amplify that by helping create new experiences and drawcards that put more heads on beds and attract more tourism dollars into regional communities,” Mr Toole said.

“The projects backed through the $150 million Round Two of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will give domestic and international visitors even more great reasons to experience the best regional NSW has to offer.”

For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.