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The Victorian Government has thrown its support behind some of the sectors hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions with a $150 million 'Experience Economy Survival Package'.
The fund will assist sporting clubs and competitions across the state, major tourist attractions, galleries and museums, and the racing industry.
Cumulatively these industries contribute nearly $70 billion to the economy according to the Victorian Government.
They were also some of the worst hit sectors when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place; Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg restrictions resulted in 33.4 per cent of jobs in the accommodation and food services sector and 27 per cent of jobs in the arts and recreation sector being lost.
The $150 million package includes $40 million for community sport and recreation bodies, including the state sporting associations, leagues and clubs.
National sporting organisations will receive $16 million, $5.3 million will go toward the State Sport Centres Trust and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Victoria's racing industry will receive $44 million.
Under the package $32 million will go toward creative agencies and initiatives, and $6 million will support live music industry workers and other workers in the creative industries.
The package also includes $11 million for Victoria's tourism industry, with funding to be targeted at the Emerald Tourist Railway Board and other not-for-profit and privately-owned visitor attractions.
"Victorians love turning out for big events and while they can't do that currently, this support will go a long way to making sure our tourism, sport and racing bodies can rebound quickly as restrictions are lifted," Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.
Support for the creative industry comes on top of a $16.8 million survival package already announced, bringing the total being delivered into the arts sector to more than $49 million.
"Victoria has the best galleries, museums and performance venues in the country and one of the best live music scenes anywhere in the world," Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said.
"They are central to life in this state and this funding is vital to safeguarding jobs in the $31 billion creative industries economy."
The Western Australian Government has also announced a support package for the tourism industry today worth $14.4 million.
The Survival Grants will target businesses located in parts of the State with more restrictive travel bans in place, or whose circumstances otherwise mean they will face a more difficult road to recovery.
Updated at 3:13pm AEST on 13 May 2020.
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