Regional tourism cash in NSW budget 'thinking for future'

NSW deputy premier Andrew Stoner has revealed tomorrow's state budget will contain a $1 billion investment in regional infrastructure.

Included in the cash splash is a new $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which Mr Stoner said would enable destinations to "develop their full potential" by investing in critical projects such as airport upgrades and rail trail infrastructure.

"This significant investment will build the infrastructure required to drive tourists to our regions, create jobs and increase the economic competitiveness of the state," Mr Stoner said.

But, questions have been raised about how and when the money would be made available.

Australian Regional Tourism Network chairman, and owner of Tumut's Elm Cottage, David Sheldon said the announcement was a great follow-on from the two programs the government rolled out last year.

"It does show that NSW is thinking for the future and not just tomorrow," Mr Sheldon said.

"Anything that can stimulate the industry is fantastic, but we've got to drill down into the finer details.

"The question is how is this going to benefit the industry at the coalface."

Speaking at the NSW Nationals annual conference in Queanbeyan on Friday, Mr Stoner promised there was "even better news to come" for regional communities.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said although it was often hard to quantify tourist numbers, the Nationals had been "really keen" to boost regional tourism.

"Getting Sydney people to look beyond the Blue Mountains ... any funding that can help is certainly welcome," he said.

Also planned in the budget is a further $325 million for Water Security for the Regions program - introduced earlier this year for regional water infrastructure projects - and $50 million for a freight productivity program in western NSW.

The freight program will fund improvement works on the Cobb Highway, Silver City Highway and other freight corridors in far western NSW.