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Allan Labor government invests $47,770 to boost Yarram tourism via Forestry Transition Program's community development fund

The Allan Labor government invested $47,770 to help Yarram develop a Tourism Economic Development Strategy, supporting local tourism growth and economic transition after native timber harvesting ends.

By news@gippsland - 8th May 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is helping to transform Yarram and its surrounding region into a vibrant and thriving tourism destination through the Forestry Transition Program's Community Development Fund. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced a $47,770 investment towards the Yarram and District Progress Association (Y&DPA) to develop a Tourism Economic Development Strategy - one of the first steps towards attracting more tourists to the area.

The Future of Yarram helps boost the local economy by expanding tourism, arts, jobs, and eco-tourism after native timber harvesting ends

Shaping Yarram's future

The strategy's first phase will investigate activities that attract current visitors to the area and identify how the district can support a larger tourism economy. The process will start by seeking the community's view on how Yarram should define itself as a tourism destination.

The Future of Yarram has worked with communities in the district to develop ideas that could boost the local economy. They identified opportunities to expand the tourism offering in areas such as outdoor recreation, attracting more performative and creative arts to the area, improving employment and training opportunities, and building eco-tourism experiences around the Strzelecki koala.

Yarram's new chapter

Yarram is one of 11 Victorian towns and communities receiving support to transition and implement new economic strategies in their local communities following the end of native timber harvesting. The region boasts well-known murals and street art and is a gateway to natural assets such as Ninety Mile Beach, Tarra Bulga National Park and the Great Southern Rail Trail.

The Forestry Transition Program continues to invest in businesses and communities in the Wellington Shire to support the retention and creation of new jobs following the end of native timber harvesting. The support has resulted in more than 97 percent of native timber workers in the area remaining in employment - either in their existing jobs or finding new work and the creation of 60 new jobs. For more information on the Future of Yarram, visit Future of Yarram website.

Tourism boost ahead

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said, "This funding will support the Future of Yarram to understand how they can boost tourism in the area and turn it onto an industry that can support the local economy long term."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "I encourage everyone to visit Yarram and the beautiful region surrounding it. It has so many things on offer for tourists and locals to see and do."

President Yarram and District Progress Association Emily Spalding said, "This is a terrific opportunity for Yarram and our local district to develop a tourism brand based on the unique knowledge and experiences of locals who live in and love this part of Victoria. It gives us the chance to promote Yarram in a consistent and professional way that benefits businesses and locals alike."

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
  Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital.
• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
  A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges.
• Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
  Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.