A new attraction at the gateway to Great Otways National Park has been officially opened for the thousands of mountain bikers and other visitors to Victorias western region.

Member for Corangamite, Darren Cheeseman MP, representing the Australian Government has officially launched the microbrewery and caf in Forrest - made possible with funding of $100,000 from the Australian Governments TQUAL Grants program.

This attraction is breathing new vitality into Forrest and the surrounding area and is re-energising local tourism, Mr Cheeseman said.

Before the Second World War, Forrest was a major hop-growing region in Victoria. Today, the town is re-discovering its historic appreciation of beer and tempting new visitors to Forrest.

As the region has moved away from logging and towards recreation, new business opportunities have been created.

This brewpub is truly a local landmark culturally, geographically and economically - and complements the regions eco-tours, mountain biking and rural accommodation.

Visitors already spend around $200,000 over the four days of the 24-Hour Kona Challenge and the Otway Odyssey mountain bike races, and with annual traffic through the town exceeding 100,000 vehicles, a whole new cottage industry is emerging.

Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, said almost four million visitors to Victorias western region spent just over $900 million last financial year.

Tourism supports more than 3,700 businesses in the region a decent slice of the local economy, Senator Sherry said.

People may come for the scenery, but theyll stay for a beer and friendly, local staff can give visitors further insights into the areas many attractions.

The Government has already provided over $8 million in TQUAL Grants to help tourism development right across Australia and weve committed a further $40 million.

Applications are now open for the current round of TQUAL Grants and I encourage tourism operators to find out how they can access this valuable assistance.

Details on applications for TQUAL grants are available at http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/

FORREST

25 February 2011

Media contacts: Joe Scavo 0413 800 757 (Sherry)
Joe Taylor 0416241653 (Cheeseman)