The Mid North Coast NSW Regional Tourism Organisation applied for the funds and Executive Officer Belinda Novicky said it was a welcome, if long-awaited result.

Ms Novicky said the funds would be used to help those tourist operators who had been worst affected by ‘the big wet’.

“These flood relief monies will be used for a strategic campaign developed in liaison with industry,” she said.

“It is important we work with industry on the timing and direction of the campaign to ensure real results for those who suffered severe loss of business earlier this year.”

A recent survey within the industry, taking in the Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Valley and Kempsey areas, found some operators said they had lost up to $120,000 as a result of the 2009 floods.

More than 38 per cent of operators said they had lost 50-plus bookings between April and July 2009, while 58.1 per cent said they had lost 30-plus bookings.

The Mid North Coast Regional Tourism Organisation has made similar representations to the Federal Government to match the State’s funding commitment and is waiting for feedback.