Photo: Ben Marden Photography
3 March 2023
Bega Valley Shire Council has received NSW government funding for the development of a Regional Event Activation Strategy and Prospectus in collaboration with Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
Council's Corporate Planning and Improvement Manager, Kaliegh Smerdon said Council will receive $308,750 under Regional NSW's Business Case and Strategy Development Fund, to formulate a clear vision for the region to sustainably attract and support a diverse portfolio of events and drive increased visitation.
"Importantly, it will include well-defined activation plans to ensure the strategy can be effectively implemented," Ms Smerdon said.
"By developing this strategy and supporting prospectus, we hope to encourage more medium to large-scale event organisers to host events in the Bega Valley and Snowy Monaro shires.
"We will look to attract more sporting events, arts and cultural activations, food and beverage events, special interest, community celebrations and civic commemorations, as well as one-off major events that have capacity to draw a substantial number of visitors to the region.
"In the development of the strategy, we will review current and future infrastructure needs across the region to support a range of events and look at how we can improve planning approval processes so event organisers are able to secure pre-approved venue access.
"We will also consider tourism, business and community events and festivals that take place annually, biennially, occasionally or once-off."
Ms Smerdon said the strategy will be supported by a Regional Event Activation Prospectus, which will promote the region and its facilities to prospective event hosts.
"Key stakeholders in this project include residents, local businesses and community groups in the Bega Valley and Snowy Monaro local government areas (LGAs), event organisers, adjoining LGA's and the Canberra Region Joint Organisation," Ms Smerdon said.
"The strategy and prospectus will support regional economic development and tourism outcomes, with flow-on benefits through local procurement and skills development."
