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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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• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
  Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
  Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
  Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.