Tourism plan gets approval

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges’ tourism policy and action plan has been labelled a step forward for the region.
It outlines the need to boost opportunities surrounding adventure and eco-based tourism such as bike riding, hiking and walking.
The policy also aims to improve access to clean and safe public toilets right across the shire.
Dandenong Ranges Tourism’s Michael Axel said it was great to see the council making an ongoing commitment for further development of the industry. Mr Axel said the council had consulted with DRT as one of the major stakeholders for the policy. “Everyone feels they had their day in court and got a really good result,” he said.
One of the major issues highlighted in the policy was the continued advocacy for improve public transport options in the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley.
Mr Axel said this was the key for promoting tourism in the Dandenongs was promoting the eco-based opportunities. “We are getting more and more people choosing to come up here by public transport and using the environment in responsible way,” he said.
Mr Axel is calling on all tourism operators to put in a submission on the policy which is available for comment until the end of the month by logging onto www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
“It’s a very positive thing for the industry … it shows a commitment to the development of the industry that is sympathetic to the area and local residents,” he said.
The policy is set go before the council on Tuesday 25 August.