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Council Releases New Tourism Policy

East Gippsland Shire Council has released a Draft Tourism Policy and Discussion Paper as part of a major catalyst for setting the direction for tourism in the region.

By East Gippsland Shire Council - 29th March 2004 - Back to News

The Draft Tourism Policy defines Council’s role in tourism and the Discussion Paper is designed to promote discussion and assist in the development of a comprehensive tourism strategy.

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, Council resolved to approve the Draft Tourism Policy along with the Discussion Paper and is now inviting written submissions from the community. Submissions close on Friday, 23 April 2004.

Council representatives will also notify all key stakeholders in the coming weeks, ensuring there is a full understanding of the policy and its implications on the industry.

Deputy Mayor Cr Jane Rowe said the main objective is to establish some direction and vision for Council and to prompt discussion within the community about where tourism can be taken for the next decade and beyond, and to culminate in a community and industry driven strategic plan.

"Our vision is that tourism in East Gippsland becomes an integral and sustainable part of the East Gippsland economy, and that East Gippsland becomes the ‘place to visit’ for all Victorians, Australians and overseas visitors," Cr Rowe said.

"We want tourism to be recognised by the community, industry and government as having real economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits to the region.

"I don’t think that anyone would doubt that tourism in East Gippsland needs a regional context and regional coordination to take advantage of the current growth phase of the industry.

"The Discussion Paper is designed to look at tourism from a regional view and to lend context to the Draft Tourism Policy.

"I am excited at the prospect of what is a much needed forward step for the tourism industry in East Gippsland and encourage all stakeholders in tourism, including residents and ratepayers, to recognise what this Council identifies as its responsibilities to the tourism industry, whether financial or otherwise. These same people then need to have input into the determination of these responsibilities by providing feedback to Council," Cr Rowe said.

East Gippsland Shire Tourism Coordinator, Stephen Kleinitz, said Council would take a lead role in various aspects of tourism.

"Services such as Visitor Information Centres, industry development, infrastructure and amenities and ensuring tourism is considered in our planning decisions, will become key responsibilities of Council," Stephen said.

"We will also have direct liaison with key stakeholders including Tourism Victoria, East Gippsland Tourism Campaign Committee, Parks Victoria, local business associations, tourism associations and chambers of commerce, and regional marketing organisations.

"To help achieve growth in the tourism industry, all stakeholders must be clear about the role they play and how they integrate their functions and service with other players.

"We have been conscious of community concerns about the role Council should be playing, and through an ongoing consultative process, have developed the Draft Tourism Policy to clearly identify the various roles.

"We’re now encouraging anyone with any comment on the policy to forward a submission to Council, so that when the document is formally adopted everyone has a clear understanding of the objectives.

"If anyone wishes to discuss any implications the Tourism Policy or Discussion Paper may have, feel free to contact myself and I can arrange a meeting with individuals or groups," Stephen said.

When submissions close and have been heard, Council will adopt the Tourism Policy at a May Council Meeting.

Copies of the Draft Tourism Policy and Discussion Paper are available from Council’s Corporate, Business and Outreach Centres, and on Council’s website.

For further information please contact Cr Jane Rowe or Stephen Kleinitz on 5153 9500.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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