NE input into Rural & Regional Tourism Report

Source: Sykes Media Report - 31.07.08

North East Victorians should be proud of their contribution towards a Rural & Regional Tourism Report tabled in Parliament yesterday, according to Nationals MP for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

The report which makes 39 important recommendations to the Government is the culmination of an inquiry launched in March 2007 by the Parliamentary Rural & Regional Committee (RRC) chaired by Nationals Upper House Member for Northern Region, Damian Drum.

Dr Sykes said, “The report generated a high level of interest across the state and included hearings in Bright and Mansfield during August 2007.

“I commend those who contributed to the process by making a submission and/or attending those public hearings.

Dr Sykes continued, “It was pleasing to see contributions by the following local tourism operators and community members reflected in some of the RRC’s 39 recommendations - Sandra Duell (Howqua Caravan Park), Michael Watson (Watsons Mountain Country Trail), Jane Starey (Avenel Maze), Wayne Phillips (Bright & District Chamber of Commerce past President) and Sandy McKenzie (Tourism Rivers and Ranges/Burnt Creek Landcare Member).

“Of particular interest were recommendations to:

• improve tourism signage throughout Victoria (recommendation 2);
• extend the current Star6 program of subsidised coach travel for both regional and Melbourne based students (recommendation 9);
• investigate the feasibility of extending the Transport Connections Project (recommendation 10);
• improve the existing network of rail trails and touring and walking tracks in regional Victoria (recommendation 14);
• review and aim to establish funding arrangements for rural and regional museums on an equitable footing with those located in Melbourne (recommendation 15);
• provide specialised counselling services for tourism operators affected by natural or environmental disasters (recommendation 22);
• provide additional funding for replacement/repair of damaged roads, tracks, signs and bridges following natural disasters, including utilising local knowledge in the recovery process (recommendation 23);
• provide funds in drought affected areas for cooperative marketing; offsetting negative media reports of natural disasters (recommendation 24); and
• extend drought related exceptional circumstances benefits to tourism operators whose businesses are directly reliant on water resources (recommendation 25);

Dr Sykes concluded, “I call on the Government to accept and implement the key recommendations of this report to protect and strengthen regional tourism in Victoria.

Full copies of the report can be obtained by contacting the Rural and Regional Committee on ph: 8682 2884 or 1300 787 202, fx: 8682 2858 or email: rrc@parliament.vic.gov.au or online at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc/inquiries/tourism/tour_report.html.