Liam McNally
A new peak body responsible for boosting tourism to Moorabool and surrounds has officially launched and elected its first chairperson.
Tourism Midwest Victoria (TMV) is a new partnership between local governments including Moorabool council, state government, and industry.
As Midwest Victoria’s new peak tourism body, TMV will be focused on driving visitation to Moorabool, Ballarat and the Pyrenees, Golden Plains and Hepburn shires.
Its aim is to position the region as one of Victoria’s premier tourism destinations, showcasing its unique attractions, rich history, and vibrant community.
The TMV has been formed as a part of the state government’s plan to transition Victoria’s existing Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) to a new network of Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEPs).
VEPs are the result of the government’s Regional Tourism Review and Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, which provides actions to address challenges and opportunities within the regional tourism market.
Star Weekly reported that council agreed to pay $30,000 a year for the next four years to join the VEP in April.
John Pandazopoulos will be the inaugural chair of the organisation.
Mr Pandazopoulos has more than 30 years public sector experience as a member of parliament, state minister, mayor, and board member of statutory corporations.
TMV chair John Pandazopoulos said to him, regional tourism is the essence of what Victoria is.
“People know about Melbourne, but it is the diversity of the people and places that exist across regional Victoria that shape the quintessential Victorian experience,” he said.
“[The VEP model] provides us with an opportunity to create something that transforms and captures the broader region of Midwest Victoria to give visitors a new reason to visit and stay longer – after all, tourism is about sharing the places we love and cherish with others.
“One of our first tasks will be delivering a Destination Management Plan for the region
that explains where the opportunities lie to improve visitation and set a common vision
that is supported by the whole community.”
Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said It’s very pleasing a board chair has been appointed.
“Moorabool Shire Council is looking forward to working with John and the board in this partnership to achieve great economic and community outcomes in the tourism space for our shire,” he said.
