Meeting with the Minister: Advocating for Merimbula's Tourism Future

The Hon Kristy McBain Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

At Merimbula Tourism Inc, we know that a thriving visitor economy doesn’t happen in isolation — it takes vision, collaboration, and clear communication with those who help shape the future of our region. That’s why we recently met with The Hon Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, to discuss key issues and opportunities impacting Merimbula and the broader Sapphire Coast.

This meeting forms part of our ongoing advocacy work to ensure that our tourism industry has a strong voice at all levels of government. Here's what was on the agenda:

EV Charging Infrastructure

We discussed the need for expanded EV charging infrastructure across Merimbula and the greater Sapphire Coast to support the growing number of electric vehicle travellers. Fast, accessible charging stations are essential to future-proofing our destination and aligning with sustainable travel trends.

Airport Upgrades & Rex Airlines

The future of the Merimbula Airport remains a high priority. We spoke about opportunities for funding, facility improvements, and ongoing negotiations with Rex Airlines to secure the long-term viability of air services — a vital link for both leisure and business travellers.

Regional Transport & Uber

As visitor expectations evolve, we need to consider on-demand transport services and alternatives to car hire. We explored the potential for services like Uber or regional ride-share options, and how they could operate effectively in a rural tourism setting.

Road Infrastructure

Quality road access is crucial for tourism. We raised concerns around road maintenance and upgrades — particularly during peak visitor periods — and discussed how improved infrastructure can enhance visitor experience and safety.

Visitor Information Services

With the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre being such a vital touchpoint for travellers, we spoke about its future direction, potential upgrades, and the importance of maintaining a welcoming, central hub for visitor servicing.

Short-Term Rental Regulation

The Minister was briefed on the growing impact of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in the region. We discussed the need for clearer licensing, fairer regulation, and better data collection, to ensure balance between visitor demand and local housing availability.

Employment, Education & Skills

As our region continues to grow, it's essential to support local employment pathways and skills development in tourism and hospitality. We discussed opportunities to work with local training providers and education institutions to help build a workforce that can grow with our industry.

What’s Next?

We’re currently organising further discussions with NSW Tourism Minister The Hon Steve Kamper MP and Bega Valley Shire Council to continue advocating for local tourism priorities.

If you’re a member with concerns, ideas, or feedback on any of the issues raised, we encourage you to get in touch. We’re always happy to represent your voice where appropriate or involve you in these important conversations.

Together, we can ensure Merimbula remains a vibrant, accessible and forward-thinking destination for years to come.