Council last night adopted the UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plan 2025-2029 which outlines key projects and initiatives that focus on culture and tourism, events, food security, economic development drivers and environmental sustainability.
In developing the next four-year Gastronomy Action Plan, community and stakeholder consultation was undertaken to understand perceptions of the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation and to identify priorities for its future use in regional development. Feedback revealed a growing desire to harness the designation as a driver of local and regional economic prosperity, particularly through tourism and destination development, trade and supply chain opportunities.
Building on the momentum of the first four years as Australia's first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy designation, the new Gastronomy Action Plan introduces a refreshed focus shaped by themes identified during public consultation:
- Local Prosperity Driving Initiatives
- Events and Recognition
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Community Connection
- Education
- Advocacy and International Relations
- Marketing and Branding
- Culture and Tourism
The Action Plan is underpinned by the existing four pillars that embrace the new themes.
- Celebrate and elevate First Nations culture, creativity and knowledge
- Recognise our creativity, cultural diversity and innovation
- Improve health and wellbeing particularly through healthy eating
- Prioritise environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture and food production
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the 2025-2029 Gastronomy Action Plan had taken a holistic and collaborative approach.
"The City would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge all those involved including the other eight Local Government Areas, tourism associations, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups, local industry, global partners, the Victorian Government and the wider community.
"This is an exciting milestone for our region, recognising the success of the first four years of our coveted designation, and continuing to evolve as a leading destination of gastronomy through a strong collaborative effort from stakeholders", Cr Metcalf said.
