Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund

The key objectives of the Access Starter Grant are to invest in projects that will:

• support Queensland tourism and events operators to develop greater understanding of accessibility opportunities and requirements for their business through undertaking access audits, and developing accessibility plans and statements
• improve the visitor experience through design and planning of accessibility improvements across the travel journey
• increase the number of tourism operators with accessibility information on their websites and improved accessibility in their websites, marketing and communications materials
• improve tourism and events service delivery to visitors with accessibility needs through staff training and awareness.

The key objectives of the Access Project Grants are to support projects that:

• demonstrate best practice accessibility and deliver tangible, high impact accessibility improvements.
• increase the number of tourism and events operators delivering universal design and accessible tourism experiences.

To be eligible for funding an applicant can be one of the following:

• for-profit organisation
• not-for-profit organisation
• regional or local tourism organisation
• visitor information centre
• local government authority

Eligible applicants must also:

• be an eligible business or eligible non-profit organisation or local government authority
• have an established operating base in Queensland (refer to definition in Appendix 1); and
• operate in the tourism and events industry in Queensland

Bodies not eligible for funding under the Access Project Grants include:

• State, Territory and Australian Government agencies or associated agencies such as statutory bodies or government owned corporations

Approved grant recipients from Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences and Accessible Tourism Infrastructure grants can apply for a project that did not receive funding under these grants.

Eligible applicants can apply for funding under both Access Starter and Access Projects grant schemes, however it must be for different projects.

See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for ATEF support.

The types of projects that may be considered include (but are not limited to):

Access Starter Grant

• Access audits, plans and statements
  1. Access audit or assessment of tourism experience / businesses
  2. Development of disability action plans
  3. Development of accessibility statements for publishing on applicant’s website

• Experience design and planning
  1. Product and experience testing to improve accessibility

• Digital and communication accessibility, including accessibility content

1. 1. Digital accessibility audit
   2. Implementation of website/product or experience accessibility improvements
   3. Development of content and marketing materials to improve accessibility, including audio and visual

• Training and awareness
  1. Disability awareness and inclusion training and coaching for staff

Access Project Grant

• Access improvements (where those upgrades are not an existing mandatory legislative or planning requirement for the existing infrastructure)

1. 1. Accessibility upgrades to bathrooms, entryways, pathways
   2. Stair lifts
   3. Hoists

• Accessible transport
  1. Modification or purchase of purpose-designed accessible vehicles, vessels, pontoons or other transportation

• Adaptive equipment and technology

1. 1. All terrain wheelchairs and mountain trikes and trail riders
   2. Aquatic/beach access wheelchairs
   3. Access matting
   4. Augmented reality, virtual reality or extended reality to improve accessibility
   5. Assistive listening devices technology incorporated into speakers/sound systems
   6. Sensor/voice/movement-controlled technology
   7. Accessible paddling equipment (universal paddling seat, outriggers, kayaks, transfer benches, adaptive paddles, stand-up paddle boards)

• Communication, signage and digital accessibility

1. 1. Accessible audio description and sensory audio guides
   2. Braille descriptions, signage, Easy English picture communication symbols, stories
   3. Interpretative and/or interactive tourism signage
   4. Improvements to websites, traditional and digital marketing materials to be more accessible and/or showcase accessibility information

• Sensory-friendly spaces and resources

1. 1. Creation of sensory-friendly spaces including resources
   2. Development of sensory maps and stories

See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for ATEF support.

Access Starter Grant

Applicants will need to:

• demonstrate they are an eligible applicant
• demonstrate the project is eligible based on project description provided
• demonstrate the project will be fully completed by 30 June 2024
• provide supplier quote/s for eligible activities totalling at least $5,000 (excluding GST) and the project represents value for money.

Access Project Grants

1. Grant Objectives (50%)
   1. The application must demonstrate the proposed project will deliver on key grant objectives and develop more accessible tourism experiences/businesses in Queensland.
2. Project readiness and completion (30%)
   1. The applicant must demonstrate the proposed project will be ready to commence within three months of the date of approval and be fully complete by 30 June 2025.
3. Value for money (20%)
   1. The application must demonstrate significant benefits to the State, in proportion to the grant funding requested, project risks and cost taken on. The Assessment Panel will determine whether a project presents an acceptable proposition to the State.

See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.

You should read and understand the guidelines.

You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.

You must align your projects with:

• the grant objectives and priorities
• the Queensland’s Disability Plan
• the Towards Tourism 2032

and

• provide all necessary supporting information/evidence

Prepare the following information:

• Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Applicant details
• Contact details
• Applicant type
• Other information required in the online application form

See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.

Applicants must complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal.

Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.