MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government is extending its Bali
Rehabilitation Fund for a further 12 months.
Balinese communities remain deeply affected by the economic downturn
resulting from the Bali bombing and exacerbated by SARS, as well as the sluggish
global economy.
The allocation of a further $750,000 doubles Australia's contribution to the
Bali Rehabilitation Fund, which will maintain a range of activities to promote
alternative income sources for affected communities.
Immediately after the Bali bombings in October 2002 the likely economic
effects on the tourism industry had been unclear. However, the advent of SARS
caused further damage to the tourism market and the international economic
environment has also failed to generate strong growth.
A recent study by AusAID shows that the Bali Rehabilitation Fund is filling
an important niche by providing targeted support to small businesses, households
and individuals.
There is a clear need to continue activities that help Balinese communities
to diversify and strengthen enterprises that can thrive even when the tourism
sector is less buoyant.
Activities begun under the Fund include a pig-raising cooperative for
ex-tourism workers, an eco-tourism project, capacity building for a handicrafts
cooperative and support for a women's micro-credit scheme.
The latest contribution brings total Australian funding of the Bali
Rehabilitation Fund to $1.5 million.
Contacts: Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489