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Council Adopts Tourism Blueprint For The FutureWhen it comes to tourism, East Gippsland has a lot to offer – everything from picturesque lakes to enchanting wilderness, beautiful rivers and of course, the magnificent High Country. By East Gippsland Shire Council - 9th August 2004 - Back to News East Gippsland Deputy Mayor Jane Rowe says the Shire is an important link in the management of tourism in the region.
Cr Rowe welcomed a new Tourism Policy, which was adopted recently by Council to provide direction into the future.
"This policy provides direction for the greater community of East Gippsland as to where Council sees its role and just how far it is prepared to go with regard to actions and financing in the tourism industry."
"The development of the policy was seen as a vital step to ensure the tourism industry was clear about the role Council will take in the future," Cr Rowe said.
"The policy will clearly identify the functions that Council will take direct responsibility for, together with the relationships Council will have with other stakeholders in the tourism industry."
Cr Rowe said there was rigorous debate and extensive community consultations during the development of the policy, and this helped shape the first drafts.
"Staff from the Economic Development Unit at the Shire drafted then consulted with most business or tourism associations and many other local and state government bodies to produce an accepted and well thought through policy"
"Already, the policy has been applauded by key stakeholders as a leap in the right direction for this Council and is seen to be setting the foundation and a way forward for Council and the tourism industry."
Cr Rowe said an important aspect of the policy was the establishment of a Tourism Advisory Board for East Gippsland.
"Council is firmly of the view that an independent advisory board is an important element in ensuring the long-term support from and participation by the tourism industry and its partners."
The Deputy Mayor said the Board would comprise of two Councillors, two industry representatives appointed by the Business and Tourism Peak Body, two industry representatives appointed by the Board and one representative each from Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Regional Tourism Campaign Committee.
"Additional representatives may be co-opted by the Board for a limited period to provide advice on specific issues."
Cr Rowe said the Tourism Policy also included details of Council’s commitment to Visitor Information Centres, Tourism Industry Development, Planning, Infrastructure and Amenities, Tourism Information, Tourism Business Development, Tourism Victoria and Country Victoria Tourism Association, as well as local Business Associations, Tourism Associations and Chambers of Commerce.
"I feel this policy delivers a good, solid direction for Council in this industry. It is now up to other stakeholders in the industry to commit to their part in the process to ensure that a vision of sustainable development for our tourism industry is achieved," Cr Rowe said.
"(l to r) Karyn Blythman (VIC volunteer), Cr Jane Rowe and Colleen Nelsson (Bairnsdale VIC Supervisor) in front of a sample of the visitor information available from Council’s VICs."
For further information contact Cr Rowe on 5153 9500.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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