NSW Minister for Regional Development Phil Costa said grants of up to $5000 have been awarded to 18 small communities through the $85 million Building the Country package including Ebor west of Bellingen.

“This money will help small towns in rural and remote NSW develop a web site that showcases what their attractions, tourist and business investment opportunities,” said Mr Costa.

“Small towns are the economic and cultural backbone of country NSW.

“Smaller towns and villages can struggle to distribute their tourist and business information amongst the wide range of marketing collateral produced by larger

centres.

“These communities are often quite close to a larger centre and have features

which would attract visitors and tourists, but they need to be able to reach an

audience in the most cost-effective way.

He said the Ebor Community for example will use their grant to promote the village, its history and in particular the many natural heritage wonders in the local area,” said Mr Costa.

“About 80,000 people a year pass through the village totally unaware of the

spectacular scenic views to be had right on the town’s doorstep,” he added.

The Small Communities Awareness Fund will provide $450,000 over five years,

allowing small communities to supplement or establish a website that promotes

local tourism and businesses.