The Liberal and Nationals in Government will provide an $850,000 funding boost to create a centralised and purpose-built Tourism Information Facility for the Coffs Coast.
The Coffs Coast has always been a tourist haven, and the centre will create a one-stop-shop for visitors to pop in, get information on the full range of local attractions and ask advice and tips from knowledgeable purpose trained staff.
The new centre will be housed at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, breathing new life into a much-loved asset and boosting it’s credentials as a tourism haven while continuing it’s charitable sanctuary status. The centre will provide comprehensive information and experiences to visitors in order to boost spend with the Coffs Coast’s local businesses. The funding will also cover the hiring and training of specialised staff.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he was pleased to see the project able to become a reality after the past year of discussions with Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary’s Managing Director, Tiga Cross, who is also a member of the Coffs Harbour City Council’s Destination Coffs Coast Committee.
“Investing in facilities like this has a number of positive implications, not just on the tourism industries, but on our student and business communities more broadly on the Coffs Coast.
“The Nationals understand that regional coastal communities rely on their tourism industries to prosper and we are passionate about prioritising investments like this. To see Tiga’s drive and vision for not only the Sanctuary but the Coffs Coast Tourism Industry as a whole is nothing short of inspiring,” Mr Conaghan said.
“Tiga is not only talks the talk, she absolutely walks the walk. Having rescued the Sanctuary from closure, restoring its credentials in animal welfare and sustainability and now working closely with a myriad of local businesses in our community through her role on the Destination Coffs Coast Committee, I know that if anyone can make this a resounding success, it’s Tiga and her team.”
Tiga Cross, who recently took out the Coffs Coast Woman of the Year award for 2025, thanked Mr. Conaghan for his support and expressed her enthusiasm for the project and the positive impacts it would have on the wider Coffs Coast business communities.
“Pat has been so positive and receptive to our plans and has advocated for Coffs Coast businesses on our behalf in Canberra. Seeing this facility brought to life means attracting more visitors to the region, educating them on the full range of amazing attractions and destinations that we have and supporting our wider tourism ecosystem. Our aim is to grow the local economy, create jobs and enhance business relationships across our region. Together, we are stronger and we make our region more attractive to tourists, so housing all our strengths in one place will create better opportunities for all of us to thrive. It will also provide a haven for local and visiting students to enhance their wildlife and conservation education. I can’t wait to see this delivered for our community.”
