The Finocchiaro CLP Government's commitment to Central Australia is delivering real results, with Tourism Central Australia (TCA) now another step closer towards moving into its new home.
The tender for the construction and fit-out of the TCA Headquarters and Visitor Information Centre at the Alice Springs Library has now been officially released, marking a major milestone in this much-needed project.
Currently located in the Todd Mall, the move to the library will improve accessibility to TCA for visitors and locals, with caravan and camping parking and the Greyhound Bus stop across the road.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced $4.8 million in funding for the project in November last year as part of her CLP Government's $27 million Infrastructure Plan for Alice Springs.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said the project reflects the CLP Government's commitment to growing tourism across the Territory and rebuilding the economy here.
"This tender is a major step toward giving Tourism Central Australia the home it needs and giving the organisation certainty to plan for the future," said Ms Boothby.
"Tourism is central to our Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 here, which sets a clear goal to grow visitor spending to $2.2 billion by 2032.
"We're backing TCA and the important role they play in Central Australia - from supporting local businesses and products to ensuring every visitor experiences the very best of our unique Territory lifestyle, which encourages people to stay longer and return again."
While construction progresses on their new permanent headquarters, TCA will temporarily co-share space with the Alice Springs Library.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said this project was another example of the CLP delivering targeted, sustainable investment in Alice Springs and across the Territory.
"Labor promised to build TCA a new headquarters back in July 2022 and never delivered a thing, not even a shovel in the ground," Minister Yan said.
"The CLP Government funded this project because we're getting on with the job, backing and delivering real projects that support Alice Springs and local jobs and businesses."
Ms Boothby said providing TCA a proper home would keep the momentum going as we continue making Central Australia a great place to live, visit, work and invest once again.
"Confidence is returning to Central Australia - crime is trending down, visitors are coming back, and we're delivering the infrastructure needed to support long-term growth," she said.
Tourism Central Australia Chair Patrick Bedford welcomed the announcement, highlighting the certainty it brings for the organisation and its members.
"A new headquarters and visitor centre will allow us to better support tourism operators, enhance visitor engagement, and showcase the best of Central Australia from the moment people arrive," said Mr Bedford.
"This project is a major win not just for TCA, but for tourism operators across the region. We thank the CLP Government for backing this project and supporting tourism in Central Australia."
The tender has been released on the Alice Springs Town Council website here and closes at 3pm on 3 December.
Image: Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby with Tourism Central Australia Chair Patrick Bedford and CEO Danial Rochford.
