Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Recent regional tourism reports

Source: Bill Sykes media release 12.08.08
Significant benefits will be delivered to the North East Victorian economy if the State Government implements recommendations included in two recently released reports on regional tourism according to Bill Sykes, Nationals MP for Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “The all party Parliamentary Rural & Regional Committee’s Report on Rural & Regional Tourism makes 39 constructive recommendations.

Key recommendations include:-

Improved support and funding for coordination of regional tourism;

Improved infrastructure, including roads, bridges and tourism signs;

Improved public transport.

Interestingly, Tourism Victoria’s Draft Regional Tourism Action Plan released last week contains many similar recommendations and includes some specific projects in North East Victoria which it believes should be given priority support by State & Local Government to facilitate progress.

The priority projects listed for Northern Victoria are:-

Redevelopment of the Mount Buffalo Chalet;

Nature based infrastructure and investment product linked to adventure tourism product, including consideration of an alpine trail (linking Mount Hotham and Falls Creek);

High quality accommodation investments in Mount Hotham Village and Falls Creek Alpine Resort;

High Altitude Training Centre at Falls Creek Alpine Resorts;

Boutique accommodation associated with food and wine product;

Ned Kelly Interpretation Centre – Stage 2 Glenrowan Precinct.

Dr Sykes said, “I strongly endorse these priority projects and I would like to add the creation of a major regional event based on Winton Motor Raceway.

“If major event funding, similar to that which occurs in Melbourne with the Formula One Grand Prix, was to be provided to North East Victoria, we could have a fantastic regional event over a few days.

“Winton V8 Supercars or Historic Winton could be the main draw card linked with visits to local wineries and restaurants in the Warby Ranges, the King Valley, Upper Goulburn Valley & Strathbogie Ranges would make for a fantastic few days stay. And of course a visit to Glenrowan & the Ned Kelly sites would be a must.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I and my Liberal-National Coalition colleagues will continue to lobby the State Government to support rural and regional tourism, in particular the recommendations contained in the two recently released reports.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989 www.billsykes.com.au

Tourism reports available from: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc/inquiries/tourism/tour_report.html and http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/

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