Input for tourist industry

By Melissa Meehan
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is seeking community and business feedback as it begins development on a tourism policy and action plan to help support and develop the region’s tourism sector.
With more than 1.6 million visitors a year coming to the Yarra Ranges to enjoy the scenery, world-class wineries and popular attractions, the council is looking to develop tourism into a significant industry.
Community and industry comment is being sought on 10 broad tourism-related issues the shire has identified in a discussion paper, following extensive consultation with the tourism sector and a telephone survey involving more than 400 residents.
Yarra Ranges councillor and Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs Marketing board member Noel Cliff said the tourism policy and action plan would better define the council’s role in supporting the tourism sector and would assist it in dealing with an increasing number of planning applications for new tourism developments.
“While it’s true that tourism makes up only about four per cent of our economy and provides about six per cent of jobs, there is huge potential for development and expansion, especially given the region’s close proximity to metropolitan Melbourne and our extensive range of outstanding natural and built tourism assets,” Cr Cliff said.
The shire provides significant financial support to Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs Marketing, the region’s peak marketing body.
The discussion paper is available from Monday 16 June and submissions will close on Monday 28 July.
The feedback will be used to develop a draft tourism policy and action plan which will be put out for public comment later in the year.
Copies of the discussion paper can be downloaded from the shire’s website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/business.
Copies are also available by emailing the shire’s business support officer Donna Donovan at d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or by phoning Donna on 1300 368 333.