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Phillip Island Icon Officially Opened

On Thursday 17 July 2008, State, Federal and Local Government officials celebrated a milestone in the history of the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 21st July 2008 - Back to News

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan MP, handled the ribbon cutting duties to officially open the refurbished facility. Federal Senator Gavin Marshall and Bass Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, were also on hand.

Minister Allan described the event as recognition of the importance of tourism to the future of Bass Coast.

"A high performance Visitor Information Centre is imperative," Minister Allan said.

"Evidence shows people will stay in the region for longer periods if the information they get is effective."

Originally built in 1977, the community has a certain sense of ownership over the historic icon that has graced the landscape for more than 30 years.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Economic Development Manager, Peter Francis, says it was important to keep the connection of the past.

"Our intention was to keep the core of the building and modernise it," Mr Francis said. "It’s a far more pleasant environment."

Made possible by funding received from all levels of government, Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, says the project demonstrates a joint government approach to growing our economic sector and called on the Ministers to maintain this successful working relationship.

"With plans to upgrade the Inverloch and Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centres, I hope our relationship continues with the governments," Mr Bawden said.

The Centre was refurbished last year and reopened for business on 26 December 2007. The improved facility was designed to deal with the large visitor numbers experienced through the busy summer holiday season. The Centre handled 32,810 visitors between 26 December 2007 and 31 January 2008, the highest number of visitors on record for this period.

The new centre has a front deck, more floor space for displays, new bathroom facilities and a meeting room. The meeting room has been designed as a multi purpose space that can be used by the Centre’s staff and volunteers. It can also be booked by community groups for meetings both during and outside business hours.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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