Liam McNally
Moorabool council plans to boost tourism to the shire through a new partnership between neighbouring councils, the state government and tourism industry representatives.
Council has agreed to pay $30,000 a year for the next four years to join Ballarat, Golden Plains and Pyrenees, shires in the newly formed Central Highlands Tourism Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP), with Hepburn expected to join later in the year.
The organisation will operate to attract and support visitors to the region, provide business support, and fund marketing and products.
The VEP aligns with the state government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan which was commissioned by the in March 2019 to supports the transition of the existing network of regional tourism boards into a new network of VEP’s and ensure regions receive the support and opportunities they need to grow in the tourism market.
A council document said that membership of the new VEP entity has the potential to “unlock significant benefits and opportunities for Council in realising the economic benefits of the visitor economy”.
The document stated advantages of the new partnership model include bringing a clear sense of purpose and defined responsibilities to member-councils, encouraging local and industry leadership, including all regions, leveraging benefits of scale, and having flexibility with the “broad geographic coverage to deliver region-wide initiatives”.
Moorabool Mayor Rod Ward said joining the partnership would result in “great benefits” for Moorabool in the tourism and visitor economy space.
“We have so much to offer in our shire, active and passive recreation on our walking trails and in state parks, Lal Lal Falls, Kryal Castle, historic towns, art galleries, there are so many things to experience, and this partnership will provide an opportunity for operators to expand and attract more visitors to our great region,” he said.
“I am very pleased Council voted to sign on.”
Council is currently developing its own Visitor Economy Strategy which will be available for public exhibition following Council endorsement.
