The 2025/26 state budget has dropped, and while there’s a lot to go through, we’ve taken a look at what it could mean for our local tourism operators, businesses and broader visitor economy.
Geelong and The Bellarine State Budget Investment Highlights:
- $11 million to open and operate the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
- $435.8 million for Victoria’s creative agencies which includes Geelong Arts Centre.
- $39.7 million to improve bus and ferry services, including a review of the bus network in Geelong and The Bellarine peninsula
- $1.8 million to support upgrades to support regional TAFE training delivery, which includes The Gordon Geelong campus
State-wide Budget Highlights:
- $11 million over two years to support the state’s regional tourism boards and visitor economy partnerships, including Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine
- $7.5 million over two years to operate the Melbourne Convention Bureau, Business Events Victoria and Business Events Fund to attract and deliver business events to the state
- $150 million over four years to establish a consolidated investment fund, including a regional stream, to secure business investment that creates jobs, supports innovation and grows the state’s priority sectors
- $4.1 billion to commence work on the Sunshine Station Superhub – a first step to realising the Melbourne Airport Rail Link
- $34.1 million over four years to support small and medium sized businesses through the Boosting Victoria’s Exports Package to identify new markets and diversify their customer base
Destination Marketing Funding holds steady
The 2025/26 State Budget maintains Visit Victoria’s destination marketing allocation at the same level as the previous year.
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has responded to the budget hand-down, which you can read by clicking here.
View the full 2025-26 State Budget by clicking here.
