At its most recent meeting, the council endorsed the Campaspe Visitor Servicing Strategy 2030, which aims to help travellers explore throughout the shire.
With the value of the visitor economy calculated at $294 million locally, Cr Paul Jarman said it was important the council got the strategy right.
“Its goals are clear: increase repeat visitation, increase visitor spend within the region, improve customer advocacy and focus, enhance industry collaboration ... and refine visitor services,” he said.
“Any strategies that we do in council need to have tangible, measurable goals, and I think they are realistic.”
The strategy aligns with the council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2024-29, an ambitious five-year plan adopted in July last year.
Cr Rob Amos said the latest endorsement was part of nearly three years of work, which involved extensive community and industry consultation.
“It’s not just about Echuca-Moama,” he said.
“It’s about how we get people who come and visit Echuca-Moama to spread out and diversify right across our wonderful shire.”
While supportive of the strategy, Cr John Zobec said he was concerned about the economic development component of the plan.
He said he did not see “any connection” as to how money generated from tourism in Echuca would be shared in other parts of the shire.
“I’m certainly hoping that in finalising and getting the plan in action, that we do see that additional connection,” Cr Zobec said.
The recommendation to endorse the strategy, which will be launched at the first tourism network meeting next year, was supported unanimously.
Cr Jarman said he believed “anyone in tourism” should read the strategy, which is available at campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-council/Documents/Strategies-plans
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